Update on Biometric ID Card Production in Bamenda: Seven Months After Promises
Seven months after the much-anticipated rollout of biometric ID cards, citizens are left wondering if the government’s promises are just empty words. On February 17, 2025, Martin Mbarga Nguele, the Delegate General for National Security, assured Cameroonians that they could obtain their national ID cards within 48 hours. But what’s really happening in Bamenda?
One citizen shared their experience with Cameroon Insight, shedding light on the complexities of the renewal process, which has proven to be anything but straightforward.
"What Happens When Your National ID Card Expires?"
"So, my National ID card expired a few months ago, and I finally got around to renewing it. Here’s how that went down—spoiler: it wasn’t smooth.
First, I went online to check the renewal process. The site said: [www.idcam.cm](http://www.idcam.cm).
- Enroll and pay 10,000frs.
- Pick a police station and schedule an appointment for pics/fingerprints.
Easy, right? Well…
The Online Booking Mess
The website only showed two options—Bamenda Central Police Station at Old Town, Bamenda and Emi-Immigration Police Station Bamenda No other choices. So, I booked my appointment for August 6th at 10am.
While waiting, I traveled a bit and used my expired ID at checkpoints. No issues—I just showed the printed receipt from my online payment, explained I was waiting for my appointment, and they let me through. Cool.
The Big Letdown: "We’re Done for the Day"
On the day of my appointment, I showed up two hours early (8am instead of 10am) just to be safe. Guess what? They weren’t taking any more people.
Me: "But my appointment is at 10am?"
Them: "Sorry, we’re done. Try Mile 7 Mankon, Mile 4 Nkwen, or Upstation."
Wait—why weren’t these options online?! Why make me book at one place just to send me somewhere else?
Finally Getting It Done
I ended up going to Upstation, and after some back-and-forth, they processed my renewal. Here’s what they asked for:
- Original and photocopy of expired ID
- Certified birth certificate
- Certificate of Nationality
Hold up—why do I need to prove my nationality if I’m RENEWING an existing ID? Shouldn’t the old one already confirm that?
The Real Question: Why Is This So Complicated?
- Why hide other enrollment centers online?
- Why cut off appointments hours before the scheduled time?
- And why ask for extra documents when renewing?
If the goal is to make things easier, this ain’t it."
A Promised Streamline
While the new system officially launched on February 17, the experience for many citizens remains fraught with complications. The Delegate General's initiative was intended to modernize public services and improve accessibility, featuring an online pre-enrollment phase followed by onsite registration.
Despite the assurances, citizens are left grappling with a convoluted process that contradicts the promises made. As more Cameroonians navigate this system, it becomes increasingly clear that the government has much work to do to fulfill its commitment to a smoother ID issuance process.
By Tanni Desmond Awa
and Bamenjo Petronilla