A 42-year-old taxi driver, Ibrahim Nchare, died following a brutal assault near the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires in Yaoundé. According to initial reports, Nchare confronted individuals he accused of selling him a counterfeit fuel voucher. In retaliation, the assailants allegedly sprayed him with a toxic substance, causing him to collapse on the road. Despite immediate attention, he could not be saved. Authorities have started an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
An Endemic Problem
This incident represents a broader pattern of increasing violence and insecurity across Cameroon. Between July and September 2023, the country recorded 201 murder cases, along with 32 kidnappings and 666 arbitrary arrests, predominantly in the conflict-affected North-West, South-West, and Far North regions . The ongoing separatist conflict in the Anglophone regions has resulted in over 6,000 deaths and displaced at least a million people, with both government forces and separatist groups accused of committing crimes
In the Far North, Islamist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province have intensified attacks, leading to numerous civilian casualties and further destabilising the region.
Rising Tide in Urban Centres
Urban centres such as Yaoundé are not immune to the increasing prevalence of crime. Journalists have become frequent targets. For instance, armed individuals assaulted four media professionals in the capital in recent weeks, raising concerns about press freedom and safety. Additionally, the LGBTQ+ community faces heightened threats, with incidents of mob violence and a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment fuelled by hate speech and discriminatory laws .
Cybercrime is also on the rise. In 2024, Cameroon experienced a 91% increase in cyber exploits. This reflects the country’s vulnerability amid rapid digitalisation and inadequate cybersecurity measures .
The tragic death of taxi driver, Ibrahim Nchare is emblematic of the multifaceted security challenges facing Cameroon.
