from ROSY SADOU in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Cameroon Bureau
YAOUNDÉ, (CAJ News) – AT least 59 people were killed in June during the insurgency in English-speaking communities in Cameroon.
Communities are agitating for self rule, alleging marginalisation by the government dominated by French speakers.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that during that month, some 94 security incidents were recorded.
At least 77 people were kidnapped and 48 injured.
This insecurity situation caused the internal and cross-border displacement of nearly 1 278 households (8 543 people) in Mokolo, Hilé-Alifa and Blangoua.
In order to respond to these displacements, the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) conducted a multi-sectoral assessment that highlighted urgent needs in food, shelter, essential household items, health, water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH), education, and protection.
“A multi-sectoral response is underway to address the most urgent needs,” said an official.
Meanwhile, also in June, the Far North region was again hit by heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, causing significant material and human damage in several localities.
These bad weather events damaged 431 households, including 423 internally displaced people living on the Blangoua bâche site.
Humanitarian access in the region remains hampered by insecurity.
Clashes between vigilante groups and government forces are intensifying, particularly in the border areas with Nigeria and around the Lake Chad Basin.
“Adding to these security challenges is a continued decline in funding, which limits partners’ ability to maintain emergency programmes,” OCHA bemoaned.
– CAJ News