Cameroon Grapples with Security Challenges and Mass Displacement

Cameroon continues to face significant security challenges on multiple fronts in 2024, marked by ongoing violence, killings, and mass displacements of the population. The Far North region has been particularly affected, with repeated assaults by armed groups and communal violence displacing around 3,178 people in the Logone-and-Chari area alone.

Why this matters: The displacement crisis in Cameroon has far-reaching implications for regional stability and humanitarian efforts, underscoring the need for sustained international support and cooperation. Addressing the root causes of violence and instability is crucial to preventing further displacement and promoting long-term peace and development in the region.

The North West and South West regions of Cameroon are also experiencing instability, with lockdowns, abductions, sporadic gunfire, and improvised explosive device attacks impacting socio-economic activities and driving further displacement. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) from these regions are struggling to integrate into host communities in the Littoral and West regions, placing additional strain on limited resources.

Despite the challenging security environment, humanitarian organizations like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are working to provide critical reproductive health and protection services to women and girls in need across various affected regions of Cameroon. UNFPA is operating in the Far North (Maroua, Kousseri), East (Bertoua and Gado Bajere), West (Foumbot and Bana), South West (Buea), and North West (Bamenda) regions.

Data from UNFPA-supported services highlights the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country, with intimate partner violence being the most reported form. This is followed by denial of resources, opportunities, and services (40%), sexual violence (35%), emotional violence (15%), and physical assaults (10%).

The displacement crisis in Cameroon is part of a broader regional issue affecting the Lake Chad Basin. According to the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), around 4.2 million displaced individuals were identified in Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, with an additional 250,000 people displaced in Niger's Diffa region. A 2019 IOM report revealed a 77% increase in the number of returnees compared to 2016, totaling 800,000 individuals.

International efforts have been made to address the crisis and mobilize resources. In September 2018, a High-Level Conference held in Berlin focused on the situation, resulting in pledges of US $2.17 billion in support from 17 UN Member States, the European Commission, and multilateral financial institutions, along with an additional US $467 million in concessional loans.

As Cameroon continues to grapple with complex security challenges and mass displacement, the international community and humanitarian organizations remain committed to providing support and services to those most affected. Addressing the root causes of violence and instability will be crucial in fostering long-term peace and development in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Cameroon faces significant security challenges, with 3,178 people displaced in the Logone-and-Chari area.
• North West and South West regions experience instability, with lockdowns, abductions, and IED attacks.
• Humanitarian organizations like UNFPA provide critical services to women and girls in affected regions.
• Gender-based violence is prevalent, with intimate partner violence being the most reported form.
• International efforts have pledged $2.17 billion to address the crisis, with a focus on long-term peace and development.