The United States has donated 3,500 metric tons of rice to support refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Cameroon. This significant contribution, facilitated through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to address the pressing food security needs in the country.
The food aid, which arrived at the port of Douala, will be distributed to vulnerable populations across several regions, including the North West, South West, and Far North regions of Cameroon. These areas have been severely impacted by conflict and instability, resulting in high levels of food insecurity. The rice will also aid refugees from the Central African Republic residing in the East region of Cameroon.
USAID Representative Philippe Accilien emphasized the importance of this donation, stating that it will help meet the urgent food and nutritional needs of over 2.3 million people facing acute food insecurity from June to August 2023. The World Food Programme (WFP) will oversee the distribution of the rice, working closely with the Cameroonian government to ensure it reaches those most in need.
Wanja Kaaria, the WFP Director in Cameroon, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting the strong partnership between the United States and Cameroon. She noted that this aid will significantly enhance the WFP’s efforts to support the most vulnerable communities in the country.
The US has been a leading provider of humanitarian assistance to Cameroon, contributing to various sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure over the decades. This latest donation reaffirms the commitment of the United States to supporting Cameroon in its ongoing efforts to tackle food insecurity and provide relief to those affected by conflict and displacement.
