Cameroun census faces criticism over disorganization

The fourth national census in Cameroun is facing significant backlash. Originally scheduled to conclude by May 29, the population and housing survey has been extended by two months following a decree signed by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute. Far from resolving the issues, this decision has intensified criticism from civil society groups, which highlight flawed organization in an operation critical to public policy planning.

Philippe Nanga, coordinator of the NGO Un Monde Avenir, did not mince his words. He described the process as marked by “general chaos,” emphasizing its importance for national planning. The activist particularly pointed to a logistical failure in Douala, the country’s economic hub, where census agents abandoned their posts after ten days due to unpaid wages.

Census: a vital but troubled statistical exercise

For any government, a census is not just a counting exercise—it is the foundation of public action. It shapes electoral boundaries, budget allocations to local governments, and the development of critical infrastructure such as schools and hospitals. Reliable demographic data also underpins macroeconomic projections. Cameroun last conducted a full census in 2005, and the resulting data is now outdated. The stakes for the fourth edition were thus far greater than mere data collection.

The two-month extension underscores the magnitude of challenges encountered. Incomplete rural coverage, delayed equipment distribution, and inadequate training for enumerators have plagued the operation since its launch. The protest by agents in Douala reveals a deeper structural issue: the breakdown in payment systems and human resource management for a nationwide initiative of this scale.

Civil society keeps watch over a critical process

Through his role at Un Monde Avenir, Philippe Nanga represents a segment of Cameroun’s civil society that closely monitors institutional processes. His public criticism is not aimed at undermining the census but at demanding accountability for its execution. At the heart of the concern is a fundamental question: Can results gathered under such conditions be considered statistically valid and politically credible? This is no minor issue in a country where disputes over official statistics—whether demographic or electoral—are common.

The extension announced by the Prime Minister’s office offers a theoretical opportunity to correct course. However, this window depends on financial backing. Observing NGOs warn that a rushed operation risks producing only a partial snapshot of Cameroun’s population. International partners like the World Bank and the United Nations Population Fund, which typically support such exercises in Africa, are also scrutinizing the methodological rigor of the process.

What’s at stake for public authorities

Beyond Cameroun, the census debate reflects a broader challenge across Francophone Africa: conducting comprehensive population counts amid tight budgets, inaccessible terrain, and security concerns in certain regions. The 2005 census in Cameroun itself faced repeated delays before its final results were published in 2010. Two decades later, the country continues to struggle with maintaining realistic census timelines.

Philippe Nanga’s statements may influence public discourse as the extended deadline approaches. Authorities are expected to ensure transparency in the process, settle outstanding payments to field agents, and release intermediate indicators. Failure to do so could mean that the fourth census enters Cameroun’s administrative history more for its failures than its scientific contributions.