Cameroon
In early 2026, Cameroon faces a "triple crisis" involving a long-standing separatist war, a jihadist insurgency, and an increasingly repressive political environment as the country prepares for major elections.
1. The Anglophone Crisis (Northwest and Southwest)
The conflict between the government and English-speaking separatists, which began in 2017, remains the country's most severe human rights challenge.
Atrocities by Both Sides: Human rights monitors continue to document extrajudicial killings, village burnings, and torture by state security forces. Simultaneously, separatist "Amba Boys" frequently kidnap civilians for ransom and enforce "ghost towns" (mandatory strikes) through violence.
Education as a Battlefield: Separatists continue to ban government-run education. As of February 2026, thousands of children remain out of school due to targeted attacks on teachers and students.
Judicial Developments: In January 2026, the Supreme Court began hearing arguments to annul the terrorism convictions of ten separatist leaders (including Sisiku Ayuk Tabe). This has raised cautious hope for a political opening, though fighting on the ground continues.
2. Political Repression and the 2025/2026 Elections
Following a disputed presidential election in October 2025, the political climate under 92-year-old President Paul Biya is highly volatile.
Electoral Violence: Post-election protests in late 2025 were met with live ammunition, resulting in dozens of deaths. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims victory, remains in a standoff with the government and has called for a boycott of the March 2026 legislative and municipal elections.
Crushing Dissent: The government has used broad anti-terror laws to arrest activists and journalists. The 2023 murder of journalist Martinez Zogo remains a symbol of impunity, as the trial of high-ranking suspects has repeatedly stalled into 2026.
3. Boko Haram and ISIS-WA in the Far North
The Far North region remains plagued by an asymmetric war against Islamist militants.
Civilian Targeting: Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa continue to carry out suicide bombings and village raids. In early 2026, abductions of women and children for forced marriage or conscription have surged.
Military Abuses: While the military protects many towns, there are persistent reports of "screening" operations where local Muslim populations are subjected to arbitrary detention and ill-treatment on suspicion of aiding the insurgents.
4. Gender-Based Violence and Social Rights
Social vulnerabilities have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflicts.
Displacement and GBV: With over 2 million people needing humanitarian aid, displaced women and girls face high risks of sexual exploitation in overcrowded camps.
Menstrual Poverty: Recent 2026 reports from UNICEF highlight that girls in conflict zones miss up to 80 days of school annually due to a lack of sanitary facilities and "ghost town" restrictions, creating a massive barrier to their right to education.
5. Labor Rights and Corporate Accountability
Plantation Violations: In early 2026, seasonal workers at large sugar and rubber plantations (such as Sosucam) alleged violations of freedom of association and poor safety standards. While companies have contested these claims, they underscore the precarious nature of labor rights in the country’s agricultural sector.