The media often focuses on the conflicts between government forces and separatist militias in Cameroon, but a closer examination of the situation reveals a humanitarian crisis hidden from the eyes of the public. The unrest in the North-West region, which began in 2017, has sparked a devastating spiral of violence and displacement, impacting thousands of families and leaving numerous communities in limbo.
A Brief Backdrop
The North-West region of Cameroon has been caught in the vortex of a vicious conflict between Anglophone separatist groups, particularly the Ambazonia Defence Force (ADF), and government troops. The impasse began over concerns about marginalized Anglophone schools and the representation of Anglophone regions in governance. The insurgency has led to widespread violence, displacement, and human rights violations.
Pocket of Silence and Suffering
Dalfo Kakmeni, in the North-West region, bears the scars of this conflict. The once-lively town of 20,000 inhabitants, with a dozen schools and medical facilities, was ravaged after government forces pushed the separatists out. A local resident remembers, “Armed men appeared, and life became a desperate struggle. Civilians were taken hostage, hospitals were destroyed, and schools emptied. We no longer feel human.”
Government forces have resorted to airstrikes, artillery and mortar attacks against separatist militias, causing loss of life and property. An estimated 140,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) wander the region with little access to food, sanitation, healthcare and shelter. Health facilities are no longer functioning in many areas. The World Food Programme (WFP) report highlights the struggle to access lifesaving aid; “The aid response is vastly inadequate, reflecting the lack of attention and scrutiny given to the crisis.”
Human Trafficking and Mass Graves
Reports persist of human traffickers preying on vulnerable females and children attempting to flee to safety. Authorities have discovered hidden mass graves – a grim test to the ongoing violence. International organizations, overwhelmed by the intensity of the problem, struggle to provide adequate medical care, vaccinations, and assistance to the stricken population. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) report notes, “The humanitarian environment is dire… The situation underscores the urgent need for increased humanitarians.”
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