On June 23, 2026, RFI Afrique highlighted the critical situation in Darak, a small commune in Cameroon's extreme north, at the junction of Nigeria and Chad. For several months, the locality, consisting of a series of islands on Lake Chad, has been under constant pressure from the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP). This armed presence turns every dawn into uncertainty for residents, whose sense of normalcy is eroding.
Isolated by limited access routes, Darak lies in a hard‑to‑reach area where roads often become impassable during the rainy season. Its lakeside setting makes the community dependent on fishing and trade on floating markets, activities that ISWAP fighters regularly target to impose ransoms and spread hostile propaganda against the Cameroonian state.
The jihadist group does more than intimidation. In the markets, ISWAP men extort traders, while fishermen are threatened with violence if they do not meet the group’s demands. This strategy aims to weaken local authority, fund operations and, according to their claims, prepare for the annexation of the commune by expelling administrative and military officials.
On February 5, 2026, the fighters entered Darak’s town hall and the livestock delegation despite the presence of Cameroonian troops. The assault caused no civilian casualties but forced roughly 2,000 inhabitants to flee their homes and seek shelter in makeshift camps along the lake. This displacement wave heightened the already acute precariousness of the population.
For displaced families, the loss of their homes means a break in support networks, food insecurity and limited access to health care. Local authorities struggle to provide protection and assistance, while humanitarian organisations find it difficult to reach the area because of insecurity and restricted access.
The crisis unfolds within a broader context of cross‑border tensions. Proximity to Nigeria and Chad creates a corridor that facilitates the movement of armed groups, complicating the Cameroonian government’s response. Maintaining an effective military presence is a logistical challenge, and the inability to secure Lake Chad’s roads opens the door to further incursions.
Developments in Darak must be closely monitored. Cameroonian authorities, backed by regional partners, will need to strengthen border cooperation, improve transport infrastructure and ensure rapid humanitarian aid. Without a coordinated response, ISWAP’s pressure could spread, threatening the stability of the entire Far North and the safety of lakeside communities.
