The humanitarian crisis in Cameroon has led to the displacement of thousands, particularly in the Northwest region, where communities struggle to access basic services and support. In response to this dire situation, the FLASH project was developed with funding from the European Commission for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO)and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). The project’s overarching goal is to enhance rapid humanitarian and protection assistance for hard-to-reach populations by improving the emergency preparedness and response capacities of local frontline actors. Through various training initiatives, partners have been equipped to implement a pilot localized Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) to ensure timely and efficient responses to emerging challenges.
On July 9, 2025, the First Line Local Assistance for Swift Humanitarian Response (FLASH)project was officially launched at Admiralty in Bamenda, organized by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in partnership with Community Initiative for Sustainable Development (COMINSUD) and Green Partners Association (GPA). The event witnessed the participation of numerous organizations, including local, national, and international NGOs such as INTERSOS, OCHA, REMAH CARE, TEEN ALIVE, SHUMAS, WACAMEROON, Doctors of the World amongst others. Notably, the Governor of the Northwest Region attended, highlighting the event’s importance. The primary objective of the meeting was to present the FLASH project and outline its potential benefits for communities affected by the ongoing conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon.
The project is designed to meet the needs of approximately 1,100 displaced households across the Momo, Mezam, and Bui divisions. Specific objectives include strengthening the emergency preparedness capacities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), enhancing access to food through cash transfers for vulnerable households, and delivering emergency protection responses while promoting community resilience. Activities planned under the project encompass disaster preparedness training, food security assessments, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at bolstering local actors’ abilities to respond effectively to the ongoing crisis.
During the kick-off meeting, participants discussed various learning and adaptation strategies to optimize the project’s impact. Key strategies identified include conducting comprehensive needs assessments with community involvement, empowering local leadership, and establishing real-time monitoring and feedback mechanisms. Additionally, fostering collaboration among NGOs and other stakeholders, utilizing mobile technology for data collection, and ensuring flexibility in program implementation were emphasized as crucial for success. The integration of mental health and psychosocial support services into the humanitarian response was also highlighted as a vital component of the project.
As with any significant initiative, certain risks were identified, along with mitigation strategies. For instance, concerns regarding confidentiality breaches will be addressed through community sensitization. To prevent issues related to cash transfers, beneficiaries will be required to confirm their details prior to fund disbursement, and feedback mechanisms will be established to refine processes. The active involvement of organizations in the Northwest Region is essential for the project’s success, with SHUMAS tasked with monitoring early warning signs and recruiting focal persons for effective oversight. Through these collaborative efforts, the FLASH project aims to alleviate the suffering of displaced populations while enhancing local capacities for future humanitarian responses.
Community Initiative for Sustainable Development 