Tens of thousands of Cameroonians seek refuge in southern Nigeria

A little-known exodus has been taking place for more than a year in western Africa as tens of thousands of people flee the English-speaking regions of Cameroon to seek refuge in southern Nigeria’s Cross River State.

Teams from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have launched an emergency response to provide aid to the refugees and the communities hosting them.

Approaching Amana, a village of around 6,000 people, close to the Cameroonian border, 7 November 2018. Since the conflict in Cameroon's South-West and North-West Regions began in November 2017, more than 4,000 refugees have arrived in the village and been hosted by the local community.

Situation in Cameroon

Political disputes in Cameroon’s South-West and North-West Regions escalated in late 2016. After secessionist armed forces proclaimed an independent state, they were confronted by the National Army.

Since then, daily violence has caused thousands to flee their villages and find refuge and protection in neighbouring Nigeria.

Despite concerns over the escalating violence, there has been very little aid response by the international community either inside Cameroon, where access for humanitarian groups is severely limited, or in Nigeria.

By the end of November 2018, an estimated 437,000 people were internally displaced within the South-West and North-West Regions of Cameroon.

Most have fled to the bush, where living conditions are poor and there is a lack of adequate shelter and access to food, water and basic health services.

Joy Filled the air as SCLC -ARF Gifts are received here and there