UNHCR is strengthening protection, essential services and durable solutions in the Far North in the face of a cholera outbreak and rising protection incidents. The Far North region of Cameroon continues to face a complex and protracted humanitarian crisis, linked to the Lake Chad Basin conflict, internal displacement, return movements and recurrent climate shocks (floods, drought). The region hosts 125,012 refugees (mostly Nigerian refugees), 453,661 internally displaced persons, 280 asylum seekers, 198,940 returnees and 30,581 spontaneous Cameroonian IDP returnees – a total population of more than 808,474 people (31 July 2026). Nearly two-thirds of Nigerian refugees live in Minawao camp, which is severely overcrowded, placing unsustainable pressure on basic services, natural resources and relations with host communities. New multi-year programmes have been launched to develop viable alternatives to the camp and to strengthen services, resilience, and livelihoods. The Minawao camp has been facing an active cholera epidemic since July 23, 2026. Protection incidents and kidnappings are on the rise (269 people abducted between January and July 2026, compared to 249 for the whole of 2025) and insecurity is hampering humanitarian access in several localities. UNHCR continues to work closely with the Government of Cameroon to support a transition from direct humanitarian delivery towards stronger inclusion into national systems and sustainable solutions that promote self-reliance and social cohesion.
Save the Children UK Alumni Association
The Alumni Association of SC UK