Cameroon launches 'Biometric Identification for Refugees Operation'

In a bid to ensure the safety of citizens and refugees, Cameroon has put in place measures to avoid terrorists hiding among refugees in the country.

“Biometric Identification for Refugees Operation” kicked-off on Tuesday for the first time.

Representative of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Douala, Maurice Moussouravi said the measure will also be used to enhance the country’s census

Problems of Boko Haram

According to security sources, suspected Boko Haram members have managed to infiltrate into the camp of the refugees in Minawao, Extreme-North of the country near the Nigerian border.

Adding that they were spotted and arrested with the cooperation of the Nigerian refugees in the camp.

Leader in charge of the protection of the refugees in UNHCR, Vincent Cochel said they will help to facilitate the identification of refugees in the country.

“There is an agreement between the Cameroon and the UNHCR. It is going to facilitate at the same time the work of the security forces and to check their movement.” With the operation, the UNHCR would be able to know the exact number of refugees and manage them better.

Confronted with the attacks of Boko Haram in the northern border and the instability in Central African Republic,Cameroon hosts 350, 000 refugees. 243, 000 from Central Africans Republic and 74, 000 from Nigeria.