from ROSY SADOU in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Cameroon Bureau
YAOUNDE, (CAJ News) – MILITANT groups agitating for the autonomy of English-speaking regions of Cameroon are confiscating identity documents of citizens to stop them voting in this weekend’s elections.
This violation, which is the latest trend in a string of abuses that have been running for years, casts doubts over a credible election in the Central African country on Sunday.
Humanitarian organisations have raised concern in an update that indicates the violence is escalating in the North, North-West and South-West (NWSW) regions.
While the north is mainly affected by Islamist groups such as Boko Haram, NWSW regions are the epicentre of non-state armed groups (NSAGs) that demand autonomy from Cameroon, alleging the government of President Paul Biya is marginalising them and prioritising French-speakers.
NSAGS are involved in frequent clashes with state security forces (SSFs).
In its latest update, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarians (OCHA) said throughout the month of August, the security situation in NSW regions remained volatile, marked by clashes,
NSAGs continued enforcing lockdowns and ‘ghost towns,’ disrupting civilian life and humanitarian operations. Competing lockdowns were announced by different NSAG factions.
“NSAGs’ threats against electoral processes intensified, including the confiscation of national identity cards in some areas in the Bui division (NW) reportedly aimed to prevent participation in the upcoming elections,” an OCHA spokesperson stated.
Aged 92, the world’s oldest president, Biya is seeking another term, having ruled since 1975, as Prime Minister, and 1982 as president.
He is the candidate of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
Opponents accuse him of vote rigging to retain power, another reason why English-speakers are rebelling against his rule.
Challengers include Issa Tchiroma Bakary of the Front for the National Salvation of Cameroon (FNSC), Bello Maigari of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (UNDP) and Hermine Patricia Tomaïno Ndam Njoya, leader of the Cameroon Democratic Union (CDU).
Meanwhile OCHA reports that August witnessed significant displacement following clashes.
Approximately 2 500 individuals were displaced.
Civilians are subjected to arbitrary arrests, kidnappings, extortion and physical assaults.
The kidnapping of teachers and threats against Parent-Teacher Association members and school staff were documented.
The humanitarian situation in the Far North region remains marked by population displacement, flooding and physical and security access constraints.
NSAGs are wreaking havoc.
In August, some ten passengers of a public transport vehicle were abducted by NSAGs. During the attack, a child was killed by the kidnappers.
In Kassa, five children were also abducted for ransom while accompanying their parents to the fields.
OCHA reports that since January 2025, approximately 174 cases of kidnapping have been recorded.
A total of 163 security incidents were recorded in August alone, resulting in 11 deaths and 20 injuries.
There are significantly more French speakers than English speakers in Cameroon, with French-speaking regions comprising about 83 percent of the 31-million population.
The Anglophone protests began in 2016.
– CAJ News