LocationsKSrelief and UNDP Launch Project in Cameroon to Strengthen Resilience and Foster Social Cohesion in Cameroon’s Far-North
January 15, 2026
Cross-section of Participants at the Project Launch , Yaoundé Cameroon
Yaoundé, 15 January 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Cameroon and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), in collaboration with the Cameroon Government, have officially launched the implementation of the project “Empowering IDPs and youth through vocational training and livelihoods support in the Far North Region of Cameroon,” whose partnership agreement was signed on 23 September 2025 in New York, marking the shift from global commitment to field-level implementation.
The official launch ceremony, held in Yaoundé, was presided over by the Technical Adviser to the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), Representative of the Minister, Mr Smith Enow Arrey, alongside the Adviser, Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Cameroon, Mr. Omar Alharthi, the KSrelief Project Manager Supervisor, Mr. Yasser Al-Shehri, and the UNDP Cameroon Resident Representative, Mr. Mathieu Ciowela. The ceremony took place in the presence of representatives from Government ministries, the Mayor of Kolofata, Colonel Boukar Satomi, as well as development partners, beneficiary communities, and other invited guests.
From left to right: Mayor of Kolofata, Colonel Boukar Satomi; UNDP Cameroon Resident Representative, Mr. Mathieu Ciowela; Technical Adviser, MINEPAT, Representative of the Minister, Mr. Smith Enow Arrey; Adviser, Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Cameroon, Mr. Omar Alharthi; KSrelief Project Manager Supervisor, Community Support Department, H.E. Yasser Al-Shehri — Project Launch Officiators
Beyond inaugurating project activities, the launch provided an opportunity to present the project’s objectives, pillars, and implementation strategy; align government and partner engagement; agree on coordination and reporting modalities; and strengthen joint KSrelief–UNDP visibility.
“This project reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment, through KSrelief, to supporting vulnerable populations with solutions that restore dignity, promote self-reliance, and strengthen resilience. Working alongside the Government of Cameroon and UNDP, we are proud to translate solidarity into concrete opportunities for displaced persons and youth,” underscores Mr. Yasser Al-Shehri, KSrelief Project Manager Supervisor, Community Support Department.
From left to right: Adviser, Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Cameroon, Mr. Omar Alharthi; and KSrelief Project Manager Supervisor, Community Support Department, H.E. Yasser Al-Shehri.
Targeting Kolofata in the Mayo Sava Division, one of the areas most affected by displacement and socio-economic disruption, the project adopts a Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus approach. Funded by KSrelief with a budget of USD 601,528, the 12-month initiative (January–December 2026) will directly benefit 350 people and indirectly support 2,100 vulnerable community members through vocational training, entrepreneurship development, start-up kits, and renewable energy skills, among others.
“This launch initiates the operationalization of a global KSrelief-UNDP partnership that now takes root where it matters most, within communities affected by displacement and insecurity. By aligning vocational training, livelihoods, and renewable energy skills with local market needs, the project demonstrates how the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus can deliver tangible, lasting impact in the context of Cameroon's Far-North Region,” confirms Mr. Mathieu Ciowela, UNDP Cameroon Resident Representative.
UNDP Cameroon Resident Representative: Mr Mathieu Ciowela
Aligned with Cameroon’s Vision 2035, the initiative will contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and reinforce the shared commitment of the Government of Cameroon, KSrelief, and UNDP to sustainable peace and development in Cameroon.
From left to right: Deputy Resident Representative, Mr. Martin Hart-Hansen; Chef de Bureau OCHA, Mr. Simon Nsabiyeze; HDPN Coordinator, Mr. Theoneste Gaza;
From left to right: MINFOP Representative: AKONO Jean David; Head of the Stabilization Facility Cameroon window, Christophe CHARBON.
From left to right: UNDP Staffs: Aminata Fall, Minju Cho; and a representative from MINMEESA
From left to right: Echo representative, MINAS representative: Mbussu Viviane Ekolle, European Union representative: Nuria Garriga Llavina
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations agency fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at Cameroon | United Nations Development Programme or follow @UNDPAfrica and @PNUDCameroun on social media.
About KSrelief:
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), established under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, represents Saudi Arabia's commitment to global humanitarian efforts. Inaugurated in May 2015, KSrelief has provided impartial humanitarian aid and relief to over 100 countries in cooperation with local, regional, and international organizations.
For further information and media inquiries please contact:
UNDP Cameroon
In Yaounde: Lawrence Neba, Communications Analyst, lawrence.neba@undp.org, +237 691 708 606
In Maroua: Nelda Dassi, Communications & Reporting Assistant, +237 676 11 85 97, nelda.dassi@undp.org
KSrelief
Riyadh Headquarter: Fanar Alshehri | international communication Specialist | F.i.Alshehri@KSrelief.org
International communication and media department , ICMC@KSrelief.org
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