Bruised but Not Broken: Cameroonian Migrants Return Home to Find Solace

Toukam, in his early 30s, is among thousands of desperate young people from sub-Saharan African wanting to migrate to Europe, traveling often dangerous routes.
Bruised but Not Broken: Cameroonian Migrants Return Home to Find Solace
A medical officer offers consultation to a returnee from Niger upon arrival at the Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport in Cameroon on May 9, 2018. IOM/Serena Pescatore
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YAOUNDE, Cameroon—Still recovering from gunshot wounds on his left index finger and left leg, Jean Toukam sits in a semi-recumbent position in his small bungalow in Cameroon’s capital, Yaounde.

Toukam’s many costly endeavors to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe, which he had hoped would positively change his life, proved futile. But the young agriculture and livestock technician is quick to thank God for bringing him back home in one piece.