Cameroon’s veteran rehabilitation initiatives reflect a desire to turn the page on a past marked by violence and extremism. Among these ex-fighters is Moussa Idriss, who made the courageous choice to surrender to the Cameroonian army in 2017, abandoning his ties to the extremist group Boko Haram.
Through the disarmament and demobilization centers in Cameroon’s Far North region, Moussa and his peers receive training and support to teach them new skills. His desire to reunite with his family and reintegrate into his community is significant, symbolizing a desire for redemption and reconstruction.
Since 2018, Cameroon has established two deradicalization centers in Mora and Meri, where more than 3,000 veterans have received training in various fields. This approach aims to provide them with opportunities for professional and social reintegration, while ensuring that the rehabilitation process is carried out rigorously.
However, challenges abound. Acceptance of ex-combatants by local communities sometimes remains difficult due to past trauma and persistent fears about their real reconciliation with violence. However, reconciliation and forgiveness are crucial steps towards promoting lasting peace, as Oumar Bichair, head of the disarmament program in the Far North region, points out.
Some of the reintegrated individuals come from neighboring Nigeria, preferring to stay in Cameroon for fear of reprisals if they returned to their country of origin. This choice highlights the multiple challenges faced by these former combatants, between personal reconstruction and preservation of their security.
Ultimately, the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration efforts in Cameroon mark a transition to a more promising future, where the rehabilitation of ex-combatants is a cornerstone of building a peaceful and resilient society.