Cameroonians have just witnessed the rise in the price of stamp for the National Identity Card (CNI) which went from 2,800 to 10,000 FCFA, according to an order from President Paul Biya made public on June 20, 2024.
This drastic increase comes in a context of galloping inflation. This increase, combined with other administrative costs and indirect costs (certificate of nationality 3500 FCFA, – certified photocopy of the birth certificate 2000 FCFA – Costs of stamp 10,000 CFA francs; -Minimum transport between 1000 and 2000 FCFA – Unforeseen = 3000 FCFA), brings the necessary total to almost 20,000 the establishment of the CNI in Cameroon. For many families, this amount represents an unbearable burden.
A difficult economic context
As the prices of food, transportation and basic services continue to rise, the addition of these extra fees for an essential document makes life even more complicated for Cameroonian citizens. The total cost of 20,000 CFA francs to obtain an identity card is now out of reach for many, exacerbating social inequalities.
Testimonies that shed light on reality
“I don’t know how I’m going to pay these costs,” confides Adama, father of three children and laborer.
“Between school fees and daily living costs, finding 20,000 FCFA for an identity card is simply impossible,” he continues.
Consumer associations, human rights groups, and political parties have not yet reacted. We do not know what their arguments will be against this increase.
Faced with this situation, voices are being raised to demand a review of this increase. On social networks, Cameroonians are particularly critical, believing that the government is doing too much in a context of generalized inflation. Solutions such as subsidies or reductions for the most vulnerable citizens are discussed. It is imperative that authorities act quickly to ensure that access to essential documents does not become a luxury reserved for a minority.
Armand Ougock, Koaci’s permanent correspondent in Cameroon.
-Contact the Cameroonian editorial team of Koaci at 237 [email protected]
