Ahead of the planned repatriation of refugees from the Minawao Refugee Camp in Mokolo, Far North Region of Cameroon to Gwoza and Bama local government areas of Borno state, a delegation led by Lawan Abba Wakilbe, chairman of Borno State Subcommittee on Repatriation, has conducted a preparatory visit to the camp.
He was accompanied by Hon. Abba Kawu Shehu Timta, chairman of Gwoza local government area.
On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, the delegation began the visit by meeting with His Excellency Governor Minjinyawa Bakari of Cameroon.
This was followed by a high-level engagement with the UNHCR Cameroon team, including Bettina Gambert, head of the UNHCR Cameroon office, and Monique Rudacogore, head of the Maroua sub-office.
During the visit, Wakilbe addressed the refugees, extending the greetings and goodwill of His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, executive governor of Borno state.
He also outlined the repatriation strategy before inviting Hon. Abba Kawu to provide further details on the return process, specifically for refugees from Gwoza.
Key highlights of the visit included direct interactions between the refugees, the delegation, and UNHCR officials, as well as an on-site assessment of ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in return areas such as Daral Jamel, Banki, and Tarmuwa towns in Bama LGA.
The delegation also included Mr. Chetto Abraham from the Governor’s Office, Cameroun Kyarimi Babakura, secretary of the Repatriation Committee, and Hon. Buladawi Bukar Kadir, among other officials