Whenever conflict erupts globally, typically, there are three potential actions outsiders can take: Governments and institutions may mediate at the diplomatic level or apply political pressure via resolutions or sanctions. Aid organizations can lessen the sufferings of the impacted civilian populations, mostly funded by donations or governmental support. Media outlets can assist in generating necessary public pressure through their reportage.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), the largest humanitarian organization in Scandinavia, examines conflicts around the world based on these three criteria. Their latest annual report highlights the most neglected displacement crises, revealing that eight out of ten such crises are occurring in Africa. Cameroon ranks at the top of this list, closely followed by Ethiopia, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Mali, Uganda, Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Honduras, and Somalia.
Cameroon stands as a model of global neglect, scoring poorly on all three criteria the NRC considers. Despite being highlighted in recent years, the country’s condition appears dire, as evidenced by its presence at the top of the list in 2019.
As per NRC, over 1.1 million people in Cameroon are internally displaced, in addition to 480,000 refugees from neighboring countries, mainly from the Central African Republic. The nation hosts two geographically and politically distinct conflicts: a civil war in its western regions and destabilization in the far north by Islamist militants.
Experts at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) note an uptick in violence in Cameroon’s Logone-et-Chari district and Nigeria’s Borno state, attributed to the splitting of Boko Haram into two factions. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of development and humanitarian aid investment from countries like the US, UK, France, and Germany, which prefer to invest in defense.
Among the victims is Haoua, a woman who, after being displaced, lives with her family in dire circumstances. She lacks the funds to educate her children, has no knowledge of her husband’s whereabouts, and faces daily hardships.
Improving the situation requires security enhancements and a renewed commitment to regional stability, including a “Regional Stabilization Strategy” beyond purely military measures. However, the current trend suggests a potential for even grimmer prospects in 2025 if there isn’t a reignited focus on political, humanitarian, and media efforts.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/cameroon-the-world-s-most-neglected-refugee-crisis/a-72781427?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
