The Unending Sufferings of IDPs in Douala: Chief Hosts Over 300 Displaced

Over 300 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Anglophone regions, primarily women and children, are being housed by a traditional ruler in Makepe Misoke, a neighborhood in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital. These individuals face severe malnutrition and poor living conditions, posing a significant risk to their lives.

Displaced from various localities in the conflict-stricken North West and South West Regions since 2016, these IDPs have sought refuge with HRH Chief Dr. Joseph Mofor. He himself is an IDP from Santa subdivision, Mezam Division, in the North West Region.

Chief Mofor reports that many have died and some have been hospitalized due to the harsh living conditions in Douala, yet more continue to arrive.

Speaking to Mimi Mefo Info, many IDPs shared horrific stories of escaping killings and arson in the North West and South West regions. Many have lost parents, siblings, or close relatives in the ongoing conflict.

Sandra, an 18-year-old from Wum in the Menchum Division, recounted fleeing with her two younger sisters after witnessing her mother being shot and their house burned in 2018. Similar tragic stories are common among the IDPs, who have endured significant trauma and loss.

Amid the height of killings and house burnings in the Anglophone regions, Dr. Mofor opened his private building in Douala to over 300 IDPs who had nowhere else to go.

By August 2018, he had registered 300 IDPs and forwarded their names to the Divisional Officer for Douala V Subdivision, the Ministry of Territorial Administration, and the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon.

Despite these efforts, his requests for government aid have not received a favorable response.

In the remote part of Makepe Misoke, children, who make up more than half of the total number of IDPs, often go days without food.

With no access to education, employment, or adequate shelter, the IDPs describe their existence as living in “hell on earth.”

Lacking beds and mattresses, the 300 IDPs, including women and children, sleep on the bare floor in a single large room.

Chief Dr. Mofor notes that some of the IDPs are physically challenged, exacerbating their dire conditions.

Having struggled to feed and sustain them for over three years, the traditional ruler has exhausted his personal resources.

To contact Chief Mofor, call: +237677755117

Mimi Mefo Info