The relationship between possessing identification documents and the full enjoyment of the right to citizenship in Cameroon is complex and often fraught with challenges. While the constitution guarantees the right to citizenship, the practical reality can be quite different for many citizens, especially those lacking proper identification documents.

The possession of identification documents is essential for individuals as it establishes their identity and citizenship status. Such a document is typically issued by the authorities of a country and it serves as solid proof of one’s legal status and rightful recognition as a citizen of that country. In the absence of such documentation, there can be doubt and speculation regarding an individual’s legitimacy and possible assumption of illegal presence. Possessing an identification document identifies with the right to citizenship, and this connection is recognized by international, regional, and national instruments. These instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and national instruments like the Constitution of Cameroon, acknowledge the significance of the right to citizenship. Certain rights, privileges, and responsibilities are granted to citizens through the right to citizenship.

It is the responsibility of governments to ensure its citizens can obtain identification documents that affirm their citizenship rights. Its responsibility includes the establishment of fair and accessible procedures for acquiring such documents, provide for protection against arbitrary deprivation of citizenship. This is important in that, it allows citizens of a particular country to effectively exercise their right to citizenship and enables them to access services, participate fully in the socio-economic life of their country, and assert their rights. Identification documents also facilitate participation in democratic processes, including voting and political representation. They are also essential for travel, both domestically and internationally, as they enable border control and ensure the security and integrity of national borders.

The importance of identification documents has been widely recognized by Cameroonian citizens, particularly in light of the provisions outlined in Law No. 90–42 of 19 December 1990. Specifically, the law states that “whoever does not possess a national identity card shall be punished with imprisonment for from three months to one year or with a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 francs CFA or with both such imprisonment and fine”. This legal requirement makes it evident that possessing a national identity card is not only beneficial but also mandatory for individuals residing in Cameroon.

It is true that the enforcement of this law serves various purposes, such as enhancing security, facilitating administrative processes, and promoting a sense of national identity and underscores the significance of identification documents in asserting one’s rights and accessing essential services. However, it is important to note that the national identity card has a lifespan of 10 years and issues arise when these cards expire and citizens fail to renew them promptly. Consequently an individual with an expired identification card faces similar challenges to not having one at all. Security officers often take advantage of the situation and exploit citizens, both during inter-urban travel and when crossing the borders to neighboring countries. Such exploitation occurs in various forms, including demanding bribes or engaging in corrupt practices under the pretext of non-possession or possession of expired identification documents. Citizens find themselves facing unnecessary delays, harassment, and extortion while traveling between cities, as well as when crossing the borders to neighboring countries.

The situation in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon faced with the ongoing armed conflict exacerbates the already unbearable conditions for civilians. Exploitation by security officers has reached its peak, as some individuals in uniform see it as a consistent source of income. This exploitation extends beyond inter-travel and affects even short-distance journeys within the cities. Officers establish numerous checkpoints, particularly on market days, where they subject the vulnerable population to extortion and abuse. Disturbingly, instances abound where individuals inadvertently leave their homes without their identification cards, only to fall victim to the predatory actions of these security officers.

Even when relatives or friends come to their aid and present identification cards on their behalf, officers still opt to detain them until exorbitant sums of money are paid. These demands, ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 CFA or more, are often outrageous. To further intensify the coercion, there are reports of some officers resorting to threats, falsely accusing residents of collaborating with separatist fighters and even threatening to press charges of terrorism. This deplorable state of affairs perpetuates fear and vulnerability among the affected population.

What is even more disheartening is that residents often encounter a frustrating situation when they go to produce their identification cards. Instead of receiving the authentic identification card, they are issued a temporary laissez-passer, which is supposed to expire after three months. During this period, it is presumed that the authentic identification card should be available. However, in reality, the issuance of the authentic identification card often faces delays, causing residents to rely on the temporary document for extended periods.

Recently, the government has entered into a partnership with a foreign company to expedite the production of national identity cards and other, promising a turnaround time of 48 hours. This development is welcomed as a significant step towards resolving the issue of delayed ID card issuance. However, according to article 548 of Ordinance No. 2024/001 of June 20, 2024 revising certain provisions of the Finance Law of December 19, 2023 a substantial increase in fees associated with this advanced service poses a significant problem in obtaining a National Identity Card in the nearest future. Specifically, the entire fee for obtaining an identification card has increased from 8,000 CFA to the alleged sum of 15,500 CFA.

This alleged increase in fees will only introduces a new layer of hardship for the masses, especially for individuals who have been displaced and are already struggling to survive. The additional financial burden poses the threat of disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, making it even more challenging for them to access their identification documents. It raises concerns about the potential for further exploitation, as citizens may be forced to pay exorbitant fees to obtain their identification cards, exacerbating their economic hardships.

The obstacles surrounding identification documents in countries like Cameroon raise serious doubts about the feasibility of fully enjoying the right to citizenship. The array of challenges, ranging from prolonged delays in issuance to exploitative practices by security officers, erect significant barriers that impede individuals from exercising their citizenship rights to the fullest extent. The recent surge in fees for obtaining identification documents exacerbates these hurdles, potentially exacerbating the hardships endured by already marginalized populations

In conclusion, these violations not only undermine the trust and integrity of the identification system but also underscore the urgent need for effective measures and robust systems to minimize opportunities for exploitation. It is imperative to establish streamlined administrative and security procedures to facilitate the acquisition of identification documents. Additionally, ensuring transparency, accountability, and appropriate checks and balances are crucial to safeguarding the rights of individuals and mitigating abuses of power. Moreover, the moderation of fees is essential to prevent undue financial burdens on vulnerable citizens. By prioritizing these critical actions, Cameroon can empower its citizens to exercise their right to citizenship fully. This entails providing timely and affordable access to identification documents, fostering transparency and accountability, and implementing measures to prevent the abuse of power. Through these concerted efforts, the nation can foster an environment that promotes equality, dignity, and the unrestricted enjoyment of citizenship rights for all its citizens.

Lilianne-Franka