National ID Overhaul: Cameroon to Issue Secure CNIs in 48 Hours

Partnership with INCM-Augentic

The production of CNIs has been entrusted to a German-Portuguese consortium, INCM-Augentic, under a contract signed on May 13, 2024, in Yaoundé. The agreement covers financing, development, and operation of the new system. Key features include:

• Construction of 68 ultramodern multifunctional centers across 10 regions and 58 departments.
• Renovation of 219 existing identification posts.

Combating Identity Fraud

The Director General of National Security (DGSN) highlighted efforts to tackle multiple identities. On January 10, 2025, an operation was launched to address this issue, urging citizens to submit their requests at regional delegations.

An interministerial committee is currently reviewing cases of individuals with double or triple identities or those involved in fraud. Once resolved, these individuals will be enrolled in the new system and issued CNIs under a consolidated identity framework starting February 17, 2025.

3 Million Cases of Double Identity

Police estimate that approximately 3 million Cameroonians have multiple identities, complicating the administrative process and raising security concerns. The new system is expected to eliminate such discrepancies, promising improved efficiency and transparency.

Implementation Timeline

The government aims to issue CNIs within 48 hours of processing applications. However, past delays have raised skepticism, as the failure of a similar initiative in 2024 left many without valid CNIs for years. Citizens hope this project will meet its deadlines and deliver on its promises.

This comprehensive system marks a significant step toward improving national security and administrative efficiency in Cameroon, but its success hinges on timely implementation and effective management. ​