The Cameroonian government, through the Ministry of Social Affairs (Minas), has launched a six-month plan to address the issue of street children in Yaoundé. The plan, which was presented on September 30, 2026, aims to identify, sensitize, register, and reintegrate young people living on the streets. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Minas, other government departments, decentralized territorial collectivities, and civil society actors.
According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the persistence of the street children phenomenon in Yaoundé is due to multiple and interrelated factors, including family breakdowns, vulnerability situations, limited access to education and training, and certain forms of exploitation and marginalization. The plan targets 300 young people living on the streets, with the goal of providing them with sustainable social reintegration.
The street children, often referred to as "nanga-boko," are a common sight in Yaoundé's city center, particularly in areas like Kennedy. These children, some as young as 10 years old, can be seen begging for money, stealing, or offering small services to traders and restaurant owners. Many of them use glue, soukkoudaï, and other substances to cope with hunger and fatigue.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has emphasized that these children are not just statistics, but individuals with a history, a face, and invisible wounds. The government aims to address the root causes of the issue and provide support to these young people. The six-month plan is part of a broader effort to tackle the problem of street children in Cameroon.
The launch of the plan was attended by the Mayor of Yaoundé, who acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the need for a collaborative approach. The government has called on civil society actors, community leaders, and other stakeholders to support the initiative and help identify and reintegrate street children.
As part of the plan, social workers and other stakeholders will work to identify and register street children, provide them with basic necessities like food and shelter, and offer vocational training and education. The goal is to provide these young people with the skills and support they need to reintegrate into society and lead productive lives.
The issue of street children in Cameroon has significant social and economic implications, and the government's initiative has been welcomed by many as a step in the right direction. The success of the plan will depend on the collaboration and commitment of all stakeholders involved.
Key points
- The Cameroonian government has launched a six-month plan to address the issue of street children in Yaoundé, targeting 300 cases.
- The plan aims to identify, sensitize, register, and reintegrate young people living on the streets, and is a collaborative effort between government departments, decentralized territorial collectivities, and civil society actors.
- The issue of street children in Cameroon is complex and multifaceted, and addressing it will require a sustained and collaborative effort from all stakeholders.
