The widespread insecurity in the North West and South West Regions, continue to result in abuses against Civilians forced to displace themselves to other towns for refuge.
These persons who flee conflicts, have difficulties in accessing good health care services and suffer from extreme poverty as they are forced to leave their belongings and their work when they flee.
Some of the children have gone months or years without school and risk Gender Based Violence. Others face dire needs for shelter, as most do not find their way to displacement camps.
In Yaoundé, Majority of these IDP’S live in acute poverty as the cost of living in most towns is extremely high. Their heartbreaking stories in localities far from home has left many begging for the conflict to come to an end.
“I was kidnapped, my family members mow down. The insecurity forced me to flee”
Rita is an IDP who lives in Yaoundé, she was forced to flee from Batibo a locality in the North West Region with her family in 2021, and has since then sort refuge in a little hurt. After hawking for months, she opened her saloon where she uses the proceeds to make ends meet.
“I opened my saloon in January, it is not easy for me as I barely have customers. In a day, I sell just about 1500frs at times nothing. When I was in Bamenda, I used to sell 20 000 francs a day. Lately, my saloon was robbed, the thieves went away with everything I’m frank less. “
Her greatest wish is for the conflict to come to an end so she returns home.
“I miss my village so much I wish to go back home God help us. I pray for peace in the Country”.
Amongst those greatly affected by the crisis are children, as they are deprived from education.
Bih Balvine is just 12 and is an IDP’s From Bafut, she has been working as a nanny in Yaoundé for 3 years so she raises money for her fees.
“I left my village because classes were not effective. I work as a house help in Yaoundé. It is not easy for me but I have to work, next year by God’s Grace I will go to school. when the crisis will be over, I will be very happy to go and meet my Parents.
Another lady by name Marie who is a vendor in Yaoundé says she houses 14 IDP’S.
“They are my relatives who ran due to the crisis, it is not easy as I have to provide their needs. We even barely eat the last time some NGO’s brought stuffs, but they are finish. They will go to school only next year as things are very difficult.”
These touching stories have left some of neighbors wishing life returns to normalcy in conflict affected zones so they can return home.
Government Measures
The government aware of the plight of IDP’S has put in place measures, to ensure they are protected, their basic needs like healthcare, education taken care of.
In 2018, the 18-month emergency Humanitarian Assistance Plan was unveiled by the President to help attend to the need of IDP’s.
Basic items have regularly been distributed to some victims by members of the government.
The government amongst others have partnered with the United Nations and NGOs to provide lasting solutions to those in need.
Addressing the need of the vulnerable population is not enough. The Country needs additional resources, and strategic partnership with the government, supported by donors and development partners, with support from all stake holders to ensure their needs are attended to.
Situation of The Crisis
The crisis in the North West and South West Regions edges towards its 6th year and is witnessing the world’s Worst rights violation. Lately, it was ranked the 3rd most neglected conflict in the world.