The Challenges of The Socio-Economic Integration of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Host Communities in Cameroon: the case of the “Anglophone” conflict-induced IDPs living in Edea I District

The emergence of refugees and internally displaced persons is one of the greatest consequences of violent conflicts in the world. The escalation of the conflict in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon in 2017 (generally known as the Anglophone Crisis) has led to the emergence of hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons. Some of these persons are living in the conflict regions while others are scattered in other parts of the country. Many of these IDPs are now settled in the Edéa1 District area in the Littoral region of Cameroon. Leaving their usual place of residence to settle in Edea also raises challenges of integration in the new community. This article seeks to highlight these challenges in the socio-economic domain as experienced by the Anglophone conflict-induced IDPs in Edéa 1 District in order to attempt some mitigation measures. To achieve this objective, a qualitative data collection mechanism was employed including interviews and focus group discussions. Forty-two (42) persons were interviewed and a focus group discussion comprising eight (8) persons. Interviews were transcribed in word format and imported into the Nvivo 12 Pro software. The findings revealed that IDPs are facing social and economic challenges in their new environment and this has become a menace to the peace and security of Edéa 1 District. At a social level, they struggle to learn the local language in order to communicate. At the economical level, since most of them have lost important documents including their National Identity Cards, birth certificates and diplomas, it has become practically very difficult for them to be employed in the local industry in Edea. Moreover, issues of marginalization were raised by these IDPs. The policy recommendations emanating from the findings of this study are relevant to key stakeholders in the Government and international peace and development partners interested in improving the living conditions of the “Anglophone IDPs” in Cameroon.