Education Under Siege: Cameroon's Children Pay the Price of Political Crisis

As Cameroon prepares for its presidential election on October 12, 2025, a troubling reality unfolds in the country's Anglophone regions. Schools across the Northwest and Southwest remain shuttered, not due to infrastructure issues or funding shortfalls, but because of a separatist-imposed lockdown that has turned education into a casualty of political conflict.

The Current Crisis

Separatist leaders have declared a comprehensive lockdown till October 13, strategically timed to disrupt both the school reopening and the upcoming presidential election where Paul Biya seeks another term. This action affects approximately 700,000 children who have already endured years of educational disruption due to the ongoing Anglophone crisis.

The human cost is staggering. As one education advocate noted, "Education is a fundamental human right that must be respected. The lockdown is having a very, very negative impact on our children." These aren't just statistics – they represent an entire generation whose futures hang in the balance.

A Pattern of Neglect

What's particularly concerning is the government's apparent prioritization of electoral proceedings over addressing this educational emergency. While preparations for the presidential election continue, authorities have remained conspicuously silent on the schools lockdown, raising questions about their commitment to protecting children's fundamental right to education.

This silence is especially troubling given the broader context of eight years of unrest in these regions, triggered by legitimate grievances over political and linguistic marginalization. Thousands have been killed or displaced, reconciliation efforts have stalled, and trust in state institutions remains fragile.

The Bigger Picture

The current crisis exposes deeper systemic issues. When political objectives take precedence over children's welfare, it reveals a troubling hierarchy of priorities. The government's focus on conducting elections – regardless of their legitimacy in regions where basic services like education are disrupted – suggests a concerning disconnect from the realities facing ordinary Cameroonians.

Meanwhile, residents in the affected regions find themselves trapped between competing forces, with some arranging to flee the area during the lockdown period to escape the escalating tensions.

A Call for Action

The situation demands urgent attention from all stakeholders. Education cannot be held hostage to political conflicts, nor can children's futures be sacrificed on the altar of electoral ambitions. The international community, civil society organizations, and Cameroonian leaders across the political spectrum must prioritize finding sustainable solutions that protect children's rights while addressing the underlying grievances that fuel this crisis.

As Cameroon moves toward another election cycle, the test of any government's legitimacy lies not just in securing votes, but in ensuring that every child has access to safe, quality education – regardless of which region they call home or what language they speak.

The silence on this educational crisis speaks volumes. It's time for that silence to be broken with concrete action that puts children first.