A delegation of six European ambassadors has completed a five-day mission across the northern regions of Cameroon to assess European Union-funded development projects and humanitarian programmes in areas affected by climate stress and insecurity.
The visit brought together the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Cameroon, Jean-Marc Châtaigner, along with ambassadors from Germany, Belgium, Spain, France and Italy.
The mission covered key locations in the North and Far North regions, including Maroua, Mora, Minawao and Garoua, where diplomats engaged with local authorities, community leaders, refugees, students and project beneficiaries.
Officials said the objective of the tour was to evaluate the impact of European Union and member state-funded programmes on the ground and to better understand local development challenges.
The delegation began its visit in Maroua, where it met regional authorities including Governor Midjiyawa Bakari before inspecting ongoing development initiatives.
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In Mayo-Sava Division, the ambassadors visited labour-intensive public works under the RESILAC 2 programme, where young people are employed to construct and rehabilitate agricultural access roads.
Diplomats said such initiatives aim to create short-term employment while improving rural infrastructure and supporting agricultural productivity in vulnerable communities.
Belgian Ambassador Alain Leroy said the mission was intended to allow diplomats to directly observe the realities faced by communities in the region.
He noted that the northern regions continue to face significant climatic, economic and humanitarian pressures, making sustained development assistance essential.
At the Minawao refugee camp, the delegation visited income-generating projects run by Nigerian refugee women, including small-scale enterprises in tailoring, fish farming, agriculture and community catering services.
The initiatives are designed to promote economic self-reliance alongside humanitarian assistance for displaced populations.
In Maroua, the ambassadors also inspected urban infrastructure projects financed by the French Development Agency, including a 1,000-seat multi-purpose hall aimed at supporting local governance and community activities.
French Ambassador Sylvain Riquier said such investments were intended to contribute to long-term urban development and strengthen municipal capacity.
He added that infrastructure projects were designed not only to serve communities but also to improve the financial and administrative capabilities of local authorities.
The delegation also participated in cultural engagements, including a reception at the palace of the Lamido of Maroua, where EU delegation head Jean-Marc Châtaigner was given a symbolic honorary title reflecting strengthened ties with local traditional leadership.
The tour concluded at the University of Garoua, where the ambassadors held discussions with students and encouraged greater engagement in opportunities across the northern regions.
Diplomats emphasised the importance of continued cooperation between Cameroon and the European Union in addressing development gaps, improving resilience, and supporting stability in vulnerable communities.
