MINAT boss emphasises gov’t’s commitment to protect refugees.

The meeting brought together officials from the governments of Cameroon and the Central African Republic, CAR, alongside representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR. 

The minister noted that as of June 30, 2026, Cameroon counted more than 412,521 refugees and 21,223 asylum seekers. This number includes 287,052 

Central African refugees, primarily settled in the East, Adamawa, and North Regions, and 31,941 living in urban areas, particularly in Yaoundé and Douala. 

He added that a Tripartite Agreement, signed on June 29, 2019, between the Cameroon, Central African Republic, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, launched voluntary repatriation operations in October 2019, and till date, 28,067 refugees have been repatriated safely and with dignity by the Tripartite Commission. 

The MINAT boss stated that the effective implementation of the Tripartite Agreement is upheld by the Head of State, Paul Biya. He expressed hope that the visit by the Central African authorities provides an ideal opportunity to examine obstacles and resume operations for the voluntary and safe repatriation of Central African refugees. 

UNHCR Representative, Saoudatou Bah Mansare, present during the meeting, said the commitments made by the Tripartite Commission would facilitate the safe and voluntary return of Central African refugees. 

She noted that the process would also ensure access to civil documentation, helping restore the dignity of returnees and reduce their dependence on humanitarian assistance. 

The Commission representative also added that voluntary repatriation is a continuous process that includes the rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration of refugees in their communities of origin. 

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Humanitarian Action, Solidarity and 

National Reconciliation of the Central African Republic, Josiane Lina BemakaSoui, expressed gratitude to the government of Cameroon, under the leadership of President Paul Biya, for its longstanding hospitality towards Central African refugees. 

She described voluntary repatriation as the most durable solution to the refugee situation and reaffirmed her country's commitment to ensuring the safe and dignified return of its nationals. 

Speaking to the press, the CAR minister said, “our discussions have been fruitful, and we are working towards an agreement that will allow the repatriation process to resume. The return of our compatriots will take place in a spirit of coordination and collaboration”. 

“The Central African Republic is currently facing several challenges, including a cholera outbreak in Bangui and surrounding areas, as well as insecurity caused by armed groups. We have therefore requested some time to stabilise the situation before fully resuming the repatriation process,” she stated. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3848 of Wednesday July 15, 2026