Ambazonia

Since October 2017, thousands of people have crossed into Nigeria fleeing a separatist crackdown and violence in Anglophone parts of Cameroon. The number of Anglophone Cameroonians seeking asylum rose sharply in early-2018 and UNHCR is calling for urgent international support. Those seeking refuge are arriving in Nigeria’s Cross River, Taraba, Benue, and Akwa-Ibom states. As of mid-March, over 20,000 refugees had been registered in the area. Women and children account for 80 percent of that figure. The situation is desperate, with most families down to one meal per day, drinking water from streams, ponds and other unsafe sources, and essential relief items, such as clothing, blankets and plastic sheeting, available to fewer than a quarter of those seeking shelter. A political solution is urgently needed so that the Cameroonians can safely and voluntarily return home. Very little of the $18 million contingency funds have so far been received, leading to immense challenges.