The Influx of Central African Refugees and Security Threats in the East Region of Cameroon since 2013: Causes, Government's Responses and Challenges

Cameroon has a long-standing history of hosting refugees and is among the largest refugee-hosting countries in Africa. The influx of refugees from the Central African Republic into the East Region of Cameroon, coupled with internal conflicts, presents a complex humanitarian and security challenge for the country. Most refugees and asylum-seekers from Central African Republic fled widespread violence from 2013 onwards, with the majority arriving in Cameroon in 2014 and 2015. The study examines the causes of this refugee influx, the government's responses, and the resulting security threats and challenges. The primary driver is the ongoing conflict and instability in the Central African Republic, forcing people to seek refuge in neighbouring Cameroon. The Cameroonian government faces strain on its resources and infrastructure, and as such has implemented a multifaceted response by providing humanitarian assistance, establishing refugee camps, and working with international organizations. The paper argues that, the government's actions are often limited by resource constraints and the challenges of integrating large numbers of refugees into existing communities. It further highlights the fact that, the influx has created security risks, including potential for criminal activities, clashes between refugees and local communities, and the possibility of refugee camps being used as bases for armed groups. The challenges are multifaceted, however, the government needs to find sustainable solutions to the root causes of the refugee crisis, address the needs of both refugees and host communities, and provide security to all residents in the East Region. This paper that made use of primary and secondary sources of data concludes that, the success of addressing this refugee crisis and security threats hinge on a concerted effort by the Cameroonian government, international organizations, and the international community, especially as Cameroon generally has an open-door policy for refugees fleeing violence in neighbouring countries.