Cameroonians React to National ID Cost Increase Amid Modernization Efforts

This decision has sparked widespread disapproval among Cameroonians. "We are shocked by this sudden increase. Jumping from 2,800 to 10,000 FCFA is exorbitant without any transition. It's too much," complained Maginot Handou, a taxi driver in Yaoundé.

Handou's sentiments are echoed by many Cameroonians who are unhappy with the nearly fourfold price hike. The International Consumer Association (Asicom) has swiftly condemned the increase, calling it "disproportionate." In a press release issued on June 21, Asicom stated, "We believe this measure severely infringes on the fundamental rights of consumers and represents an unacceptable barrier to accessing an essential administrative document."

### Public and Consumer Advocacy Response

In the same communiqué, Asicom urged the government to delay the price hike, which comes amidst "rampant generalized inflation" affecting Cameroonians. However, skepticism remains among citizens like Handou, who doubt the measure will be reversed. He hopes at least that the increased fee will ensure faster processing of national identity cards. "I've been waiting for five years to get my national identity card," he lamented.

### Aims of the Price Increase

The price increase aims to fund the modernization of Cameroon’s identification system, promising to deliver national identity cards within 48 hours or less. To facilitate this project, the General Delegation for National Security (DGSN) has partnered with the German-Portuguese consortium INCM-Augentic. According to the presidential ordinance, which is expected to pass parliamentary approval due to the ruling RDPC party's absolute majority, 90% of the revenue from the CNI stamp fee will go to the private partner, while the remaining 10% will be allocated to the DGSN.

### Financial Allocation and Project Details

Specifically, of the 10,000 FCFA paid for the issuance of a CNI, the INCM-Augentic consortium will receive 9,000 FCFA, and the DGSN will get 1,000 FCFA. It is not yet clear whether the consortium will receive this amount throughout the 15-year duration of their contract.

These payments are intended to cover and compensate INCM-Augentic's investment. The agreement includes the consortium financing and constructing 68 ultra-modern multifunctional centers across Cameroon's 10 regions and 58 departments. Additionally, it will renovate 219 existing identification posts to modernize them. The new identification system will also feature an application for online appointment scheduling. The groundbreaking ceremony for the national production center of these identity cards took place on June 19 in Yaoundé, with similar centers planned in other cities nationwide.

This modernization project aims to enhance the efficiency and reliability of Cameroon's identification processes, despite the significant increase in costs for the public. The effectiveness of these improvements will be closely watched by both the public and stakeholders.