MAF flew humanitarian staff into the Lake Chad region to support communities affected by armed militant group.
Story by Annet Nabbanja
Frank Santana sat in the cockpit with Pilot Phil while the 36 minutes flight headed toward one of the most dangerous spots in Chad, ravaged by Boko Haram.
Although the extremist group was started in northern Nigeria, Boko Haram has expanded into Lake Chad region, spanning northeastern Nigeria, northern Cameroon, Chad, and southeastern Niger leading to the displacement and deaths of many people.
Families have been forced to flee their homes, and access to schools, healthcare, and food has become more difficult.
Frank from the Dominican Republic serves with Humanitarian Response and Recovery as a Programmes Coordinator and was on the flight from the capital N’Djamena to Bol.
Working primarily in the field of migration, they promote orderly, safe, and regular migration. In times of crisis, they recognise that anyone who is forced to move falls within their mandate, and they provide support to states in addressing their needs.
“In this region, we support migrants, internally displaced persons, returning migrants, and host communities,” said Frank. “We also assist national authorities in strengthening services for these populations.”
Travelling with MAF significantly facilitates Frank’s work by speeding up the deployment of staff to operational areas. This reduces exposure to security risks on the road and lightens the logistical burden of moving between locations.
Without this flight, we would need to organise security convoys to and from N’Djamena, which is necessary for safety reasons.
“Without this flight, we would need to organise security convoys to and from N’Djamena, which is necessary for safety reasons.
“When convoys are organised, the journey by road can take up to six hours.”
Right now, MAF is the only air transportation to the Lake Chad region. The journey by road is very uncertain as it poses security threats, and with rainy season approaching, it will get even more difficult.
During this visit, Frank provided essential assistance to host communities and internally displaced persons, including non-food items, hygiene kits, emergency shelters, latrines, and water boreholes.
“These visits constantly remind me of the immense amount of work that remains to be done to support people facing dire humanitarian needs,” said Frank.
“I am particularly drawn to humanitarian work because it addresses immediate and urgent vulnerabilities.”
He hopes that the security situation will improve, reducing the need for emergency humanitarian interventions.