Yaoundé – June 8, 2023, the results obtained in the implementation of projects funded by the Japanese people through their Government were presented during a photo exhibition. 

A photo exhibition of the results obtained as part of the implementation of projects funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) was held on June 08, 2023 in Yaoundé. The ceremony chaired by Mr. Paul Tasong Njukang, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, in charge of Planning and representative of the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), was attended by many peacebuilding actors in Cameroon. Representatives of diplomatic and governmental institutions, United Nations System Agencies, non-governmental organizations and civil society had the opportunity to appreciate, through visual documentation, the effects of interventions on beneficiaries in response to humanitarian crises in the Far North region. 

Visual stories 

Twenty stories were presented through 20 photos following the four main pillars of the project recalled by Mr. Abdel Rahmane Diop, IOM Chief of Mission in Cameroon. These are mental health care and psychosocial support, the promotion of social cohesion and peace, support for socio-economic reintegration and the construction and rehabilitation of drinking water infrastructures. "Infrastructures which become factors of social cohesion because through a borehole, many people of diverse origins and genders come together, share their daily life together and get to know each other ", noted Mr. Diop. 

From time gained to peace regained, including protection against waterborne diseases or even the ability to better meet needs, the effects presented through stories and personal experiences of everyone plunged the audience into the daily life of the beneficiaries, thus making the images presented real. Through her intervention, Ms. Maïmouna, Internally Displaced Person (IDP) who had traveled from the Hardjaniré camp in the Far North to Yaoundé for the occasion, simply brought these stories to life through her gratifying her gratifying testimonies. She pleaded for “more assistance as many of their needs are not satisfied yet”. 

Satisfactory results 

Admiring the results thus observed, HE Mr. Nozomu Takaoka, Ambassador of Japan to Cameroon spoke of the availability of the Government of Japan to work alongside Cameroon for the promotion of lasting peace. While thanking all the stakeholders for the efforts aimed at this ideal, HE Mr. Nozomu Takaoka reassured IOM of the satisfaction vis-à-vis the partnership which has already lasted three years. 

For Mr. Paul Tasong Njukang, this exhibition as well as the testimony of Maïmouna allowed the participants to "live the reality". The Minister Delegate to MINEPAT thanked the actors involved in implementing the activities, namely the National Committee for Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, IOM and the Government of Japan, which has been supporting Cameroon in its quest for peace and stability since the beginning of the crises. 

Crises in the Far North 

Since 2013, the Far North region of Cameroon has been experiencing a security crisis that has impacted the lives of local population, and particularly that of the young men and women – the youths. Influenced by the dynamics of conflict in the Sahel and in the Lake Chad Basin, this crisis has further increased the vulnerability of these populations in a region where development indicators were already alarming. 

In response to requests from the governments of the Lake Chad Basin countries, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing a government support program entitled Disengagement, Disassociation, Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR): Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding in the Lake Chad Region. The DDRR program intends to contribute to the creation of an environment of security and peace by providing support and assistance to the Government of Cameroon, while working for social cohesion and inclusive social dialogue. 

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For more information, please contact Elodie Ndeme Bodolo, IOM Cameroon, Tel: 691638957, Email: endeme@iom.int