Life in Minawao refugee camp
Moments of joy amid an uncertain future
When the Minawao camp first opened in Cameroon in July 2013, it housed 7,000 refugees who had fled Nigeria as a result of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents. By May 2015, over 44,000 were living in the camp, where food, water and shelter availability have been among priority needs.
A woman registers her baby girl in Minawao refugee camp, in Far North Region. The child was born in the camp, where the joy of a new life beginning is set against the backdrop of an uncertain future.
(Foreground, left) Aishatu Jeol fled with her three children after her village was attacked and her husband killed. Now a community relations officer for UNHCR, she distributes food to a new arrival.
Ibrahim and Hauna John celebrate their wedding in the camp. The two were due to marry in Nigeria but were forced to flee their village when it was attacked by Boko Haram.
After the attack, Hauna fled to Cameroon, while Ibrahim remained in Nigeria to complete a school exam.
“I was worried when he was not here. … But the very [day I] saw him in the camp, I was very happy,” said Hauna.
“I had to hold her to my cheek. … Heaven was very close to me that day,” said Ibrahim of their reunion.
The couple plans to start a family, despite the difficulties they will likely face.
Learn more about how the conflict in Nigeria has affected children and women.
