By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Cameroon Red Cross has received over 7.5 tons of humanitarian aid from the Turkish Red Crescent Society. The aid was formally handed over on Wednesday December 10, with Cecile Akame Mfoumou, the National President of the Cameroon Red Cross, receiving the donation from Turkish Ambassador Volkan Öskiper.
The aids include essential items such as tents, kitchen utensils, and various clothing, specifically aimed at assisting vulnerable populations in Cameroon. During the handover ceremony, Ambassador Öskiper stressed the significance of the support, highlighting that a recent visit by a high-level Turkish delegation to Yaoundé in April 2025 revitalized bilateral relations.
“The needs in the Far North Region are especially pressing,” Öskiper stated, underscoring the challenges faced by both the local and international communities.
He remarked, “While resources are dwindling, the threats and challenges continue to grow.” He called on responsible members of the international community to lead cooperation efforts during these difficult times.
Ambassador Öskiper reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to standing alongside the Cameroon people, expressing solidarity with vulnerable groups.
On her part, Cecile Akame Mfoumou praised the Turkish Red Crescent Society for its generous contribution, noting that this donation will enhance the resilience of communities that look to the Cameroonian Red Cross for tailored support.
“This assistance aligns perfectly with the needs of many communities striving to strengthen their resilience,” she stated.
Cecile Akame Mfoumou further characterized the aid as not merely material but as a profound message of fraternity and humanity, which aligns with the core principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
She reflected on the longstanding partnership between the Cameroon Red Cross and the Turkish Red Crescent, noting it has blossomed since 2021, when their collaboration began during the Central African National Red Cross Societies Coordination meeting(COSNAC) in Douala.
That partnership has led to successful collaborations, including a 2025 visit from Turkish Red Crescent delegates and business leaders looking for ways to enhance cooperation. Previous support has enabled the Cameroon Red Cross to acquire vital equipment and materials for educational programs in midwifery, nursing, physiotherapy, and laboratory technician training.
Adesh Tripathee, Head of Delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), expressed profound gratitude for the aid, stressing its symbolic importance in fostering international humanitarian solidarity.
He stated, “These supplies represent a long-standing partnership dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable populations in Cameroon.”
Tripathee noted that the aid, particularly the tents, would significantly boost the Cameroon Red Cross’s capacity to provide safe, dignified temporary shelter to families affected by disasters, as well as enhance their community health and first aid initiatives, ultimately saving lives.
