Chad fighting risks humanitarian crisis in Cameroon
Ongoing fighting in the capital of Chad may trigger a humanitarian crisis in neighbouring Cameroon.
Wednesday 6 February 2008
Fierce fighting in N'Djamena has driven large numbers into northern Cameroon, prompting fears for children's safety.
"In a situation where a lot of people are fleeing, it's very likely that children will be separated from their parents," said Gareth Owen, Save the Children UK's Director of Emergencies, from Abeche in Chad.
"We don't know what conditions the people crossing into Cameroon will be facing, and we're very concerned that children will be alone and in danger."
Aid work is also under threat, as the violence disrupts the movement of people and supplies across the country.
"At the moment Save the Children's operations are continuing," Gareth Owen said. "But it's only a matter of days before things start to grind to a halt. In particular, the violence in N'Djamena is disrupting banking services, making it difficult for us to pay for all the things we need to carry out our work.
"We're especially worried that the health services we provide for refugees in Hadjer Hadid will be at risk."
Reports from N'Djamena suggest heavy civilian loss of life and significant damage to buildings.
Save the Children highlighted the connection between the conflict in Chad and fighting in Darfur, in neighbouring Sudan.
"The fighting in Darfur and in Chad is inextricably linked, and you can't solve one without the other," Gareth Owen said. "There has rightly been a lot of attention on Darfur, but often Chad gets forgotten."
