Address : Conférence Episcopale Nationale du Cameroun (CENC), Mvolyé, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Telephone : +237 999 78 450
Fax : +237 774 18 511
Email : thaddee2011@yahoo.fr/ anata64@yahoo.fr
Facebook : Caritas Cameroun


Better known as the Bureau d’Actions Socio-Caritatives (BASC), Caritas Cameroon was founded in 1971. As a Relief and Development Office of the Catholic Church in Cameroon, it takes charge of the social and charitable action network of the diocesan committees.

Cameroon’s economy is mainly based on agriculture. However, a decline in world market prices over the past two decades has hit exports abroad and the livelihoods of the population: the United Nations estimates that 40% of the population lives below the national poverty line.

Due to its location in the Sudano-Sahelian zone, Cameroon suffers from chronic food crises. After three decades of crisis with the added impact of climate and natural disasters, the rural population is becoming increasingly poor. The region in the far north is particularly exposed to climatic variations, such as the recent floods in 2010 and the drought in 2009 and 2011.

Conflicts in neighboring countries have resulted in the arrival of 100,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from the Central African Republic and Chad. Since 2012, people in northeastern Nigeria, after fleeing the Islamist extremist fighters Boko Haram, have sought refuge in the far north of Cameroon. This new influx of refugees is estimated at 40,000 families.

Since June 10, 2013, the situation has deteriorated substantially with an increase in violence against the Christian population in Nigeria, leading to a worsening situation in Cameroon and additional pressure on an already weakened host population. These people have a cruel lack of means to survive (food, clothing, health, etc.).

Caritas Cameroon has created an operational unit to support the local church in meeting the needs of refugees. A fundraising appeal was launched to meet the immediate needs of the refugees, and food and non-food items were distributed. Medical supplies were also made available.

Plans have also been made to improve temporary buildings and structures, while water remains a priority for everyone. Caritas Cameroon is working on improving the water supply by building additional distribution points and organizing environmental awareness campaigns to protect water points, forests and land.

Caritas Cameroon organizes community training courses on livestock and agriculture. It keeps an eye on the well-being of the population and the protection of people and property.

Partners: Misereor, Secours Catholique Caritas France and other organizations with which Caritas Cameroon has talks.