As the world observes World Humanitarian Day, humanitarian leaders working in the conflict-affected North West Region of Cameroon have highlighted urgent community needs and called for stronger collaboration with local stakeholders to address the ongoing crisis sustainably.
Speaking to Hilltopvoices, Yaa Billian Nyuykighan, Director of Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS NGO), underscored that protection from violence remains the most pressing priority. She lamented that women and children continue to pay the heaviest price in the conflict, citing reports of arbitrary arrests, kidnappings, killings, and torture. She also raised alarm over the surge in gender-based violence, noting that survivors have limited access to support due to fear of retaliation.
Yaa Billian Nyuykighan further pointed to the collapse of essential services, with healthcare facilities attacked and looted, leaving communities without critical supplies for maternal and child health. She also expressed concern over widespread school dropouts, warning of long-term consequences for children’s futures.
“Humanitarian aid is urgently needed like food, shelter, and non-food items but access is often restricted due to insecurity and roadblocks,” she explained.
To ensure sustainability, she urged humanitarian actors to avoid duplication, empower women to build resilience, and promote inclusive solutions through the Nexus approach, which links humanitarian relief with development and peace-building efforts.
Echoing similar concerns, Munteh Florence Chea, Executive Director of the Association for the Promotion of Women’s Rights and Peace Building (AP-WORP), emphasised that access to consistent and safe basic services remains one of the most urgent needs. These include healthcare particularly mental health and sexual and reproductive health education, and clean water.
“Insecurity has isolated many communities, cutting them off from essential services and worsening the vulnerability of women, children, and the elderly,” Munteh noted.
She stressed the importance of intensified collaboration with trusted local stakeholders, such as grassroots organisations and faith-based groups, who often hold vital local knowledge and community trust.
According to her, the humanitarian response must go beyond short-term aid.
“A shift towards capacity-building and community-led initiatives is essential. Lasting impact will come through genuine partnership, transparency, and investment in local structures,” she added.
Meanwhile, Chick Sama, Coordinator of the Coordinating Unit of Associations of Persons with Disabilities (CUAPWD), stressed that while humanitarian needs are urgent, peace remains the ultimate solution.
“The greatest need at the moment is actually getting peace in the regions by addressing the root causes of the crisis,” he said.
Chick Sama highlighted that within the humanitarian response, identifying and prioritising the most vulnerable persons is critical. He urged both the State and international humanitarian organisations to be “truly intentional” in collaborating with local partners.
“They must build local capacities and provide resources to enable communities to address their own needs,” he remarked.
He also took the opportunity to acknowledge the resilience of humanitarian workers themselves, who, he said, are “heavily targeted in the armed conflict yet continue to serve.”
As the humanitarian community worldwide pauses to honour those risking their lives to serve others, the voices from the North West Region of Cameroon echo a common plea: protection, peace, and deeper collaboration with local actors to ensure that relief efforts are relevant, inclusive, and sustainable.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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