"Education Under Fire: The Precarious Return to School in Cameroon’s Conflict Zones"

By Edwin -

As schools in Cameroon are set to resume in less than a week, the situation remains precarious, particularly in the North-West and South-West regions. These areas have been plagued by ongoing violence between separatist groups and the military, leading to significant disruptions in education. 



The conflict has resulted in over 855,000 children being out of school, with many parents fearing for their children's safety due to the daily gunfire and attacks.


The conflict has severely affected the educational landscape, with 90% of public primary schools and 77% of secondary schools remaining closed in these regions. The separatists have actively enforced school closures as part of their strategy to resist government control, resulting in schools being targeted and children being caught in the crossfire. Tragically, there have been numerous reports of children being killed in these violent encounters, which has instilled a deep fear among families regarding sending their children back to school.


Despite the escalating violence, the Cameroonian government continues to assert that the situation is under control, often dismissing the severity of the crisis. This stance has been met with skepticism, especially given the recent spike in attacks on schools and the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting children. The government's narrative contrasts sharply with the lived experiences of families in the conflict zones, where many have fled their homes to escape the violence.

The ongoing violence has led to a mass exodus of teachers from the North-West and South-West regions, as many flee for their lives. The government's calls for teachers to return have largely fallen on deaf ears, highlighting a significant lack of confidence in the government's ability to ensure safety and stability in these areas. This reluctance among educators to return underscores the government's unpreparedness for the upcoming school year, as the safety of both students and teachers remains a critical concern.


The fate of children in the North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon hangs in the balance as the new school year approaches. With the ongoing conflict and the government's propaganda, many families remain uncertain about the safety of their children returning to school. The need for urgent action to protect education and ensure the safety of children is critical, as the current situation poses a significant threat to their future and well-being.

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