Moussa Idriss, a former Boko Haram combatant, is ready to rebuild his life. Idriss surrendered to the Cameroonian military in 2017 and is now undergoing rehabilitation at a center for disarmed fighters in the Far North region.
“Today, I am prepared to return to my family and live peacefully within the community,” Idriss said, expressing optimism about his future.
Since 2018, Cameroon has established two deradicalization centers in Mora and Meri, where over 3,000 former fighters have received training in trades to facilitate their reintegration into civilian life. According to regional administrator Evariste Atangana Zoua, 600 of these individuals have been chosen for reintegration into various communities as part of the first wave.
The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) initiative involves careful monitoring to ensure the ex-fighters’ transition to peaceful civilian roles. However, challenges persist as some local communities remain hesitant to accept former combatants due to lingering fears and trauma.
“If we cannot forgive and reconcile with those who previously took up arms, lasting peace will remain elusive,” said Oumar Bichair, head of the disarmament program in the Far North region.
Among the rehabilitated individuals are Nigerian nationals who have chosen to stay in Cameroon, fearing potential reprisals if they return to Nigeria.
This reintegration effort is seen as a crucial step in fostering stability and healing in communities affected by years of insurgency in the region.