Sunday, February 09, 2025

Unveiling Tomorrow's Cameroon Through Today's News

Breaking

YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon, Jan. 14, 2025 — Cameroonian citizens struggling with issues of dual identity or other complications related to their national identity cards (CNI) have been invited to submit formal requests for resolution.

The announcement comes from Martin Mbarga Nguele, the Delegate General for National Security, as part of broader reforms aimed at streamlining the country’s identification system.

New System Promises Fast Issuance

The initiative coincides with the rollout of Cameroon’s new secure identification system, which aims to deliver identity cards within 24 hours. This marks a significant shift in addressing delays and inefficiencies that have long plagued the process of obtaining CNIs.

In his year-end address, President Paul Biya acknowledged the difficulties faced by citizens in acquiring identity cards, particularly for those seeking to register to vote. “I am aware that many of our compatriots continue to struggle to register on electoral lists due to the lack of national identity cards. Many also find themselves in situations of dual identity through their own doing. I have ordered the necessary measures to address this situation quickly,” Biya stated.

Process for Resolving Identity Issues

Citizens facing identity-related challenges are required to submit a formal request to one of the ten regional delegations of the National Security Directorate. These requests must include:

  • Full contact details (phone number, email address, postal address).

This process is expected to trigger the resolution of their cases.

Challenges for Rural Citizens

While the initiative has been welcomed as a step forward, concerns remain about accessibility for rural populations. Many citizens in remote areas may face difficulties traveling long distances to regional capitals, incurring significant transportation costs.

To alleviate these challenges, it has been suggested that local police stations in rural districts be allowed to accept and forward these requests to regional delegations. Such an adjustment would make the process more inclusive and accessible for citizens in the country’s hinterlands.

A Promising Reform with Room for Improvement

This initiative represents a major effort to modernize Cameroon’s identity management system and address long-standing issues affecting electoral participation and legal recognition. However, ensuring the process is equitable and accessible to all citizens, regardless of their location, remains a key challenge for authorities.

The success of the new identification system will depend not only on the speed of CNI issuance but also on the inclusivity of the measures implemented to reach every corner of the country.