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Alarming new data has revealed that Cameroon recorded 441 cases of reported disappearances between January and June 2025, highlighting a rising social concern that experts warn requires immediate national attention.
The figures, released in a socio-economic analysis bulletin compiled by a group of concerned experts and civil society actors, paint a troubling picture. With an average of two disappearances reported daily, the phenomenon is particularly affecting urban centres and vulnerable populations, including adolescents and schoolchildren.
The report shows that 55% of the disappearance cases involve women, while men account for 45%. Adolescents aged 13 to 17 are the most affected group, representing 36% of all cases. They are followed by young adults aged 18 to 34 (25%), and children aged 6 to 12 (18%). The data also indicates that students are among the most affected, with 49% of all disappearances involving pupils — 27% of them girls and 23% boys.
Yaoundé, the political capital, tops the list of most affected cities, accounting for 40.2% of the cases. Douala follows with 24.3%, while other impacted urban centres include Bertoua, Bafoussam, and Buea.
The months of May and June, which coincide with the start of the school holiday season, witnessed the sharpest rise in disappearances.
Social media has emerged as the primary platform for reporting these incidents, with Facebook used in 98% of alerts, followed by WhatsApp (1.14%) and X (formerly Twitter) at 0.91%.
The most common circumstances surrounding the disappearances include leaving home for activities, intentional runaways, school outings, and suspected abductions.
To counter the growing crisis, analysts are urging the Cameroonian authorities to adopt a multi-pronged approach. Key recommendations include establishing a national partnership with the Red Cross, creating a dedicated emergency hotline, and setting up psychosocial support units.
They also emphasize the need for community-level awareness campaigns, particularly targeting youth and families, to educate them on the dangers of unsupervised movement and the importance of communication.
With the number of missing persons climbing, experts warn that without coordinated intervention, the crisis could worsen, leaving more families in anguish and communities vulnerable.
