Cameroon extends census period amid slow progress

In a move to address gaps in its latest nationwide census, Cameroon’s government has announced a second extension of the enumeration period. The decision, formalized through a decree by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, aims to broaden coverage and ensure no household, individual, or agricultural operation is overlooked.

Frustrations have mounted among residents in major urban centers like Yaoundé and Douala, where some newly developed neighborhoods remain absent from official mapping. Frustrated citizens report that census agents have yet to visit their areas.

According to the National Census Commission, only 60.4% of the population has been recorded since the initial phase began in April. The census, the fourth of its kind, faces persistent hurdles: delayed payments to enumerators sparking unrest, low participation from certain households, and linguistic barriers in multilingual regions.

Security concerns in high-risk zones further complicate data collection, with some areas proving too dangerous for agents to operate safely. The government has acknowledged these challenges but insists the extension will improve accuracy and inclusivity.