Le haut-commissariat des réfugiés (HCR) dans la gestion de l’aide alimentaire et la cohabitation sociale entre réfugiés et population hôte de Garoua-boulai (2013-2020)

Abstract

This study focuses on ‛‛the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the management of food aid and social cohabitation between refugees and the host population of Garoua-Boulaï (2013-2020)”. In a context where the security and political crises in Central Africa generate migratory flows. This work questions the role played by the UNHCR on the cohabitation between refugees and host populations and the issue of food security, by questioning the effectiveness of the mechanisms set up by this organization for harmonious living together. Clearly, it is a question of showing how the UNHCR participates in the management of food aid and in the social cohabitation between the refugees and the host population of Garoua-Boulaï from 1982 to 2020. Based on transnationalism and interdependence, in a historical-critical approach, it must be understood that the cohabitation between the two communities is both peaceful and conflictual. Pacific because of the socio-economic factors that unite them, but also because UNHCR and its partners are struggling to meet the needs of refugees. Also, it takes a conflicting turn because in the post-emergency period, the UNHCR no longer has enough financial means to take care of all the refugees and proceeds by targeting. In the end, it appears that the food aid is unsuitable and insufficient, which constantly reflects the vulnerability of the refugees. Thus, peaceful coexistence results from the unity of the efforts of UNHCR, public authorities and religious authorities. Humanitarian organizations, development partners and the host State must promote and carry out in synergy agro-pastoral projects that tend towards sustainable food security and the empowerment of refugees.