Protecting vulnerable persons: External relations ministry, IEDA Relief renew agreement.

The agreement was signed in Yaounde Thursday, July 11, 2024. The Minister of External Relations, MINREX, H.E Mbella Mbella, signed on behalf of government while the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of IEDA Relief Cameroon, Philippe Mukule Maanulwa, signed for the institution. 

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Mbella Mbella lauded IEDA Relief for their charitable work in the country that soothes the pain of persons in need. 

He encouraged the international organisation not to relent its efforts. He assured IEDA Relief of the continuous support of the government of Cameroon. 

On his part, the CEO of IEDA Relief Cameroon, Philippe Mukule Maanulwa, mentioned that the work the institution does in Cameroon is focused on tackling the underlying causes of poverty in the country, by promoting self-sufficiency.

Speaking to the press, the CEO pointed out that for IEDA Relief to legally carryout its altruistic functions, a cooperation accord with the government was needed.

“We are happy that today, this partnership has been signed and it now gives us the capacity to legally continue with our activities. It will also permit us to continue to mobilise resources,” Maanulwa told the press after signing the agreement.

He emphasised the work they do with regards to helping vulnerable persons, notably refuges and Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs will be to the extent of institutions resources. 

“It is not just us working with vulnerable persons. There are many other national and international organisations doing a lot to protect and care for refugees and internally displaced persons. We will continue as complementary support,” Maanulwa disclosed.

The CEO added that the organistaion focuses on specific sectors including health, nutrition, agriculture and protection, which is done in collaboration with local institutions.

He said work being done in Cameroon by the institution he heads, is not just to support and care for refugees, adding that the institution also has as goal to welcome refugees and people fleeing from danger. 

Maanulwa concluded by commending the availability of human resources in Cameroon, which makes their work rapid, effective and efficient.

“Cameroon has a lot of competent human resources that help us with the management of these vulnerable persons,” he said.

About IEDA Relief 

IEDA Relief is a non-governmental organisation founded in the United States in 2008. 

Since its creation, IEDA Relief has operated in over 13 countries, implementing more than 650 humanitarian projects with funding of over 170 million dollars, approximately FCFA 102.7 billion.

In Cameroon, IEDA Relief’s mission began in 2014 in response to the crisis in the Central African Republic, and then extended to the Far North region affected by the Boko Haram crisis. 

It focuses on humanitarian interventions with the aim of saving lives and improving the living conditions of refugees, displaced people and host communities.

IEDA Relief has a strong field presence and the capacity to rapidly deploy resources in crisis situations, with offices in different regions of Cameroon notably the Littoral, East, Adamawa and Far North regions.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3166 of Friday July 11, 2024