Crackdown on Unregistered SIM Cards: Cameroon Government Sets Deadline for MTN and Orange

This directive, issued by Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji, aims to combat a surge in criminal activity facilitated by unregistered SIM cards.

Unregistered SIMs Fuel Crime in Conflict Zones

Minister Nji highlighted the misuse of unregistered SIM cards in conflict zones like the North-West, South-West, Far North, and Adamaoua regions. Separatists and kidnappers are reportedly exploiting these anonymous lines to extort money and issue ransom demands.

According to Nji, over the past year alone, separatists in the English-speaking regions have amassed over 320 million FCFA through unregistered SIM cards. This number is particularly alarming considering the ongoing socio-political crisis in these areas.

Government Demands Action from Mobile Operators

Nji met with the CEOs of Orange Cameroon, MTN Cameroon, and the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (Antic) to address this critical issue. He emphasized the need for "systematic identification" of all SIM cards sold, particularly in conflict zones, as mandated by existing regulations.

He lamented the lack of proper identification, stating that authorities recover at least 20 unidentified SIM cards with each dismantled terrorist group. "These cards are destroyed, making them untraceable," Nji noted, highlighting the importance of proper registration.

Deadline and Potential Penalties

The Minister demanded additional information from the operators within the 60-day timeframe. This includes a comprehensive list of retailers selling their products and mobile money kiosks operating in the North-West and South-West regions. Nji warned of "serious sanctions" for non-compliance.

Regulations Already Exist

This crackdown is not a new initiative. A 2015 Prime Ministerial decree mandates the identification of subscribers and their devices upon acquiring any mobile service. The decree also restricts individuals to holding a maximum of three SIM cards per operator. In 2019, Orange, MTN, and Nexttel were fined for failing to comply with these regulations, including issues like pre-activated SIM cards and unregistered activations.

The Road Ahead

Cameroon's efforts to combat crime by tackling unregistered SIM cards represent a crucial step towards enhancing security in conflict-ridden areas. The success of this initiative hinges on the cooperation of mobile operators and a robust enforcement mechanism by the government.