Burundi Delegation Explores Cameroon’s Approach to Refugee Inclusion Through South-South Cooperation

This question was at the heart of a South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) learning exchange that brought a high-level delegation from Burundi to Cameroon. Through discussions with government institutions and visits to community-based programmes in the East Region, participants examined approaches that strengthen public services, expand social protection, and support long-term resilience. 

"Food assistance is most effective when it opens the door to opportunity. By strengthening national systems alongside the Government, WFP is helping families move beyond immediate needs towards lasting resilience," said Aboubacar GUINDO, WFP Representative and Country Director a.i., Cameroon.

Home to more than 430,000 refugees and asylum seekers, as well as large numbers of internally displaced persons and returnees, Cameroon has increasingly focused on solutions that reinforce existing public services while addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The exchange offered an opportunity to share lessons, challenges and good practices with counterparts from Burundi. 

 Visits to schools and health facilities provided concrete examples of this approach in action. Children from refugee and host families study in the same classrooms and benefit from school meals that improve attendance and learning outcomes, while local farmers gain access to reliable markets. Today, 8,717 pupils receive nutritious meals across 24 schools in the East region. Health centres serving refugee-hosting areas provide access to healthcare and nutrition services through strengthened public systems. 

Discussions also covered social protection, nutrition, livelihoods, cash-based assistance and community engagement, highlighting the importance of targeting support according to vulnerability and ensuring benefits are shared across communities.

"No country has all the answers, but every country has experiences worth sharing. Cameroon has learned that refugee inclusion succeeds when governments lead, communities are involved, and partners work together to strengthen national systems. That is the experience we are proud to share," George Edmond MAKITA, Director of National Solidarity and Social Development, Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS). 

Beyond service delivery, meetings with local authorities and community leaders underscored the value of dialogue and local ownership in maintaining social cohesion. Participants exchanged experiences on building trust, preventing tensions, and ensuring that development gains reach those most in need. 

For the Burundian delegation, the visit provided practical insights that can inform future efforts to address displacement through nationally led solutions.

"The most valuable lesson we take home is that inclusion is built every day through stronger institutions, stronger communities and shared responsibility. These are experiences we hope to adapt in Burundi," Jean Claude NDUWAYO, Permanent Secretary in charge of Internal Affairs and Community Development at the Ministry of the Interior of Burundi and Head of the Burundian Delegation. 

The exchange demonstrated how South-South cooperation can help countries learn from one another and adapt proven approaches to local contexts. For Burundi, the visit offered practical ideas for strengthening responses to displacement; for Cameroon, it reaffirmed the value of sharing experience and expertise across the region.