Societal perceptions of counterterrorism in Cameroon: The voices of those far from the battlefield

Abstract

The extant literature has reported on human rights violations perpetrated by state security systems against citizens during counterterrorism efforts. This has contributed to discussions on effective strategies to protect human life and property in the wake of terrorist attacks from insurgent groups such as Boko Haram. It is widely recommended that states adopt a combination of strategies to combat terrorism. However, in the African context, there have been few explorations of the nature and effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies adopted by states. Drawing on a multifaceted approach to fighting terrorism as the framework of analysis, this qualitative study explores people’s perceptions of the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts and their human rights implications in Cameroon in the wake of attacks from Boko Haram. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 51 participants recruited from Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. The participants mentioned that security measures instituted by the state have had adverse impacts on their fundamental human rights. The human rights violations are manifested in several ways, including extortion, unlawful arrest, and restrictions on movement. Study limitations, recommendations for future research, and the need for the Cameroon government to create economic opportunities and involve citizens in the fight against terrorism are discussed.

Note

Notes

1 Human Research and Ethics Committee (#UPA/IGHSS/Dai/Cab346) at Pan African University, Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Science, Cameroon.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maxwell Peprah Opoku

Maxwell Peprah Opoku is a Ghanaian by birth and received his first degree in Political Science. His second is a Master of Science in Disability, Rehabilitation and Development, from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He also holds a master's degree in Governance and Regional Integration from Pan African University, Cameroon. Recently he has completed his Ph.D. in Education at the University of Tasmania, Australia and is a casual lecturer in Inclusive Practices in Educational Settings.

William Nketsia

William Nketsia joined Western Sydney University (WSU) as a lecturer in Inclusive Education in January, 2018. He completed his doctoral and master's degrees in Education in 2016 and 2011 respectively, from University of Jyvaskyla, Finland. He also has a bachelor's degree in Science Education from University of Cape Coast and a teacher's certificate in Basic Education from Akrokerri College of Education, Ghana.

Oyewole Simon Oginni

Simon Oyewole Oginni is a Nigerian who holds a Master of Science in Governance and Regional Integration and a Master of Science in Forensic Criminal Investigation (major: election forensics). As a research fellow and the executive director of OWP Africa, he is working on UN Resolution 2250, small arms control, governance, post-conflict transition, mobility and migration. He is also pursuing his Ph.D. at University of Bonn, Germany.

Beatrice Atim Alupo

Beatrice Atim Alupo is a Ugandan who holds a first degree in International Business from Makerere University. She pursued a Master of Arts in International Trade Policy and Law from Uganda Martyrs University. Upon completion of her MA, she proceeded on to the Institute of Governance, Humanities and Social Science, Pan African University, Cameroon, to pursue a second master's in Governance and Regional Integration. She is a currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Griffith University, Australia.

Bernard Nsaidzedze Saka

Bernard Nsaidzedze Sakah is a Cameroonian who completed his Ph.D. and Master of Science in Governance and Regional Integration from Pan African University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Anthropology from University of Buea – all from Cameroon. He is a young researcher whose interests cut across domains such as governance, education, human rights, and education. He has served as volunteer with many NGOs and is currently the managing director of Big Steps Outreach Network – Cameroon.