Rising Insecurity Sparks Judicial Crisis in Cameroon’s Cities

Judiciary Under Fire

At the heart of the controversy are judges and magistrates, who have been accused of corruption and inefficiency. Exasperated citizens criticize a judicial system they perceive as decaying. Increasingly, cases of criminals being released after arrests—seemingly due to bribes or political connections—have outraged the public. This has left victims living in constant fear of retaliation.

“This pattern of impunity is fueling anger and frustration across communities,” a local resident said, reflecting widespread sentiment. Many argue that justice in Cameroon has become a luxury for the wealthy, while ordinary citizens are left vulnerable.

Government Response

In a bid to address rising tensions, local authorities are beginning to act. In the Mfoundi Division, Governor Emmanuel Mariel Djikdent recently implemented an emergency measure banning the possession of bladed weapons. While this step has been welcomed, critics argue that it falls short of tackling the root causes of insecurity.

“It’s a band-aid solution to a deeply rooted systemic problem,” said a political analyst in Yaoundé. Without broader judicial reforms, many fear that this measure will have little long-term impact.

A Growing Confidence Gap

The erosion of trust between the judiciary and the public continues to deepen. Citizens increasingly view Cameroon’s justice system as operating on a two-tiered model—one for the elite and another for the masses.

If meaningful reform is not undertaken to restore public confidence in the judiciary, experts warn that Cameroon’s urban centers risk descending further into chaos. The alarming rise of impunity, where lawlessness becomes the norm and justice the exception, threatens the stability of the nation.

As tensions rise, the pressing question remains: Can Cameroon’s justice system regain its integrity before it’s too late?