UNHCR has opened a field office in eastern Cameroon to cope with the arrival of several successive waves ofethnic Mbororo refugees fleeing from the neighbouring Central African Republic. In total, an estimated 25,000 refugees arrived in Cameroon and are scattered along the country’s border with the Central African Republic (CAR).

Mbororo child

Mbororo fleeing to Cameroon say they have been systematically and relentlessly targeted by organised groups of bandits and rebels who steal their cattle. Livestock are not only the Mbororo’s primary possession, but also a sign of wealth in this part of Africa. Many Mbororo refugees also claim that their wives and children have been kidnapped and they had to pay high ransoms to get them back.

Most Mbororo cross the border on foot, carrying their few remaining possessions. A small number of those who managed to save some of their livestock continue to graze cattle inside Cameroon. But the others, having lost everything, are in an extremely precarious situation.

According to UN reports, most of the Mbororo refugees scattered across eastern Cameroon live in destitute conditions, with children often suffering from malnutrition and disease.

The greatest needs are food, health care, water and sanitation projects. Instead of being moved to a camp, these refugees will be moved to rural areas where they can be more self-reliant.

The activity of the Lord’s Resistance Army in CAR is causing even more problems - not just for the Mbororo but also for Pastor Jean Baptiste and his team who are trying to reach them with the Gospel. Please keep praying.

PRAYER POINTS

• Pray that the work of reaching the Mbororo will be able to continue.
• Pray that the Mbororo will be protected and their needs cared for.
• Pray for the safety of Pastor Jean Baptiste and his team and for their kingdom work. Pray that God would use them powerfully to provide for the needs of the Mbororo they meet, both physical and spiritual.