On October 5, 2026, the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, handed over food items to more than 3,500 internally displaced persons from 650 families in Bamenda, located in the North-West region of Cameroon. The aid, consisting of 50kg bags of rice, liters of refined oil, sardines in oil, and household soap, was provided by the President of the Republic and his wife, Chantal Biya.
The internally displaced persons, mostly women, had braved the "Ghost Town" imposed by armed groups in the region to receive the aid at the Bamenda prefecture esplanade. Despite the challenges, they expressed joy and gratitude for the assistance. The Minister emphasized that the donation was a gesture of appreciation from the President and his wife for the displaced persons' active participation in the October 2025 presidential election and their warm welcome to Pope Leo XIV in April.
The aid distribution ceremony was marked by a symbolic presentation of the "Tree of Peace" and songs by the beneficiaries. Paul Atanga Nji encouraged the women to maintain their mobilization efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. He also invited them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The North-West region of Cameroon has been experiencing insecurity and violence due to the presence of armed groups. The "Ghost Town" phenomenon, where markets and businesses are closed, has become a regular occurrence. The government's efforts to provide aid and support to affected populations aim to alleviate their suffering and promote stability.
According to the Minister, the government's assistance is a demonstration of its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. He emphasized that the aid is not only a humanitarian gesture but also a way to foster peace and stability in the region. The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance and appealed for continued support.
The aid distribution is part of the government's efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the North-West region. The Minister of Territorial Administration assured the beneficiaries that the government will continue to work towards finding a lasting solution to the insecurity and violence in the region.
Key points
- The Cameroonian government has distributed essential food items to over 3,500 internally displaced persons in Bamenda, North-West region.
- The aid was provided by the President of the Republic and his wife, Chantal Biya, as a gesture of appreciation for the displaced persons' participation in the presidential election and their welcome to Pope Leo XIV.
- The government aims to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations and promote stability in the region through its humanitarian efforts.
