New UNHCR Resident Representative Presents Credentials in Cameroon

The newly appointed Resident Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to Cameroon, Yvette Muhimpundu, presented her Letters of Introduction to Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Felix Mbayu, on September 10, 2024. This ceremony marked the beginning of her official work in Cameroon. With over 25 years of experience with the UNHCR, Muhimpundu is well-equipped to lead the organization's efforts in the country.

During her audience with Minister Mbayu, Muhimpundu officially began her mission to help and protect refugees, forcefully displaced communities, and stateless people in Cameroon. Her responsibilities will include assisting in their voluntary repatriation, local integration, or settlement in a third country. The Minister Delegate welcomed Muhimpundu and expressed his confidence in her ability to effectively carry out her duties.

Yvette Muhimpundu brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having been a staff member of the UNHCR since 1999. Throughout her career, she has developed strong leadership skills in the humanitarian domain, with a focus on protection and finding lasting solutions for forcefully displaced persons in complex contexts. Her expertise will be invaluable in addressing the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons in Cameroon.

Prior to her appointment as Resident Representative of UNHCR in Cameroon, Muhimpundu served as Senior Protection Coordinator at the UNHCR Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa since 2021. In this position, she was responsible for coordinating protection efforts across the region and working with governments and partners to address the needs of displaced persons.

The UNHCR is a specialized agency of the United Nations that provides protection and assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless people worldwide. In Cameroon, the organization works to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflict, persecution, and natural disasters. Muhimpundu's arrival comes at a critical time, as the country continues to host a significant number of refugees and displaced persons.

With her extensive experience and expertise, Muhimpundu is well-positioned to strengthen the UNHCR's efforts in Cameroon and contribute to finding durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons. Her appointment has been welcomed by the Cameroonian government, which has expressed its commitment to working with the UNHCR to address the challenges faced by displaced persons in the country.

The presentation of Muhimpundu's Letters of Introduction marks an important milestone in the strengthening of cooperation between the UNHCR and the Government of Cameroon. As the new Resident Representative, Muhimpundu will work closely with government officials, UN agencies, and other partners to ensure that refugees and displaced persons receive the protection and assistance they need.

Key points

• Yvette Muhimpundu has over 25 years of experience with the UNHCR.
• Muhimpundu's mission in Cameroon will focus on aiding refugees, displaced communities, and stateless people.
• The UNHCR works to provide protection and assistance to refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless people worldwide.