Internally Displaced Persons in their Homeland

 

   Socio-political issues in and about the anglophone regions had been a matter of contention since independence in 1960 and 1961. Violence erupted 2016 in the North West and South West regions, prompting security clampdowns. The crisis shifted into armed conflict with the proliferation of non-state armed groups and deployment of military forces to the regions. This situation has led to multiple civilian casualties  and continues to have serious consequences of livelihood and living conditions of the affected population.
   In late 2017, and in response to violence and lost of lives, humanitarian organisations were reporting that families were fleeing the two affected regions. Displacement was further compounded by limited access to education due to a ban and attacks of schools by non- state armed groups. Businesses were closed down and poverty was alarming due to numerous gun shoots, ghost towns and interrupted Lockdowns making life difficult and unbearable for people to live in the regions.
   The number of displaced persons as a result of the crisis in Cameroon's Anglophone regions has spiked to 530,000 and 1,850 dead and tens of thousands refugees during the last 20 months. Many people are still hiding in the bush with no food, protection or medical support according to reports of International Crisis Group.

   The government, Non-governmental organisation, International and National organisations like the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, International Crisis Group, Ayah Foundation, Humanitarian aid assistance from other countries like Canada and Doctors without Borders in the South West have all extended their efforts in supporting and sharing humanitarian aid assistance to the IDPs of the North West  and South West regions and other part of the country.
   As the humanitarian crises last longer, and needs increase, aid is not sufficient. The innocent victims are dying and others are in famine. People who could work and provide for their families. People who could send their children to school, are now vulnerable. Many frustrated girls have engaged into prostitution, many young and talented boys have become arm robbers and armed men left under the mercy of destruction and death.
   As 2019 goes towards an end, displacement persons are still lining up. Emergency aid and political dialogue to resolve the crisis are essential in order to relieve the suffering of the people forced to be internally displaced persons in their own homeland.