Cameroon — humanitarian situation

Cameroon faces a volatile humanitarian environment driven by persistent insecurity across the North-West, South-West, and Far North regions. Armed conflict involving non-state armed groups and state security forces continues to generate displacement, protection incidents including kidnappings and sexual violence, and widespread criminality (UNFPA). In the Far North, specifically the departments of Logone-et-Chari, Mayo-Sava, and Mayo-Tsanaga, ongoing violence linked to Islamist groups disrupts agricultural activities and prevents households from preparing land for the main planting season, sustaining Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food security outcomes through September (FEWS NET). The conflict's impact on children was documented in 2025, with Cameroon among 23 countries where grave violations against children in armed conflict were verified (UN Secretary-General). Humanitarian needs remain substantial, though specific population figures are not detailed in recent reports. WFP assisted 103,850 people in May 2026, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable host communities, distributing 238 metric tons of food and transferring USD 574,325 in cash (WFP). Displacement continues in the Far North, with ongoing population movements tracked in Mayo-Danay department as of mid-June (IOM). Protection risks remain acute across conflict-affected regions, with communities particularly vulnerable to violence and exploitation (UNFPA). Food insecurity constitutes a critical concern in conflict-affected areas, where reduced income from off-season crop sales and agricultural labor compounds household vulnerability (FEWS NET). Health services face ongoing threats, consistent with broader patterns of attacks on healthcare documented across multiple countries in 2025 (Insecurity Insight). The humanitarian response confronts severe access constraints imposed by active hostilities and the presence of armed groups, limiting the reach of assistance to affected populations. Funding gaps threaten the continuation of lifesaving operations. WFP faces an 89.8 percent funding shortfall for the June-November period, requiring USD 41 million over six months with USD 21.8 million urgently needed to sustain emergency assistance (WFP). Regional funding tracking indicates ongoing resource constraints across West and Central Africa as of mid-June (OCHA). The combination of persistent insecurity, displacement, food insecurity, and inadequate funding places vulnerable populations at heightened risk across Cameroon's conflict-affected regions.