Grand mothers, mothers young girls in Bangem joined their voices to those from others communities across several regions of Cameroon to actively protesting against a surging crisis of drug and substance abuse among youths.
Their protest came few weeks after those in Tombel staged their demonstration on the same subject.
The mothers thronged the streets in Bangem,wailing with peace plants calling for a halt in the sales and consumption of brief forms of drugs, cursing any youth in their community who will not heed to their advice.
Their protest March July 8, 2026 comes to join those of women in other communities in the Northwest and Southwest regions.
Particularly prominent in the South West and North West regions, the grassroots demonstrations feature women marching against drug traffickers, destroying local drug dens, and calling on administrative authorities for stronger enforcement.
Local surveys from the Ministry of Health and the National Drug Control Committee have highlighted the severity of the issue, with over 15% of young Cameroonians identified as drug users and some areas reporting up to 60-70% of youths aged 12 to 15 involved in substance consumption.
The most commonly abused narcotics include cannabis (banga), tramadol, and synthetic mixtures referred to locally as “cailloux” (ice/crystal meth) and “cayou”.
The crisis has been heavily exacerbated by ongoing armed conflicts in the Anglophone regions, which have facilitated the trafficking and normalization of illicit substances among a vulnerable younger generation.
In Kumba few weeks ago hundreds of women took to the streets (including Kumba I, II, and III subdivisions) to march against local drug syndicates, eventually submitting grievances to the Senior Divisional Officer.
Similar militant actions saw angry women dismantling thatched structures used as drug hideouts.
In Tiko & Mutengene, following widespread community concerns and protests by mothers regarding drug trafficking and rising local insecurity, the Divisional Officer implemented a strict municipal ban on specific energy drinks widely suspected of being used in conjunction with illicit activities.
In Mamfe & Manyu Divisions women in communities like Egbekaw and Mbeme have protested while clad in black attire and holding traditional “peace plants”.
These demonstrations frequently culminated in traditional rituals and the pouring of libations to curse drug dealers who target the youth.
In Tombel Women visited local police and administrative offices to demand more rigorous law enforcement, citing fears that their children are becoming delinquents.
Organizations in urban centers like Yaoundé VI are hosting seminars to develop civic action plans and boost sexuality and anti-substance education.
Local Campaigns and AwarenessIn addition to physical protests, local groups are focusing heavily on sensitization.
NGOs and youth foundations have launched multi-day campaigns targeting secondary schools and colleges to educate students on the dangers of drug addiction and help steer them towards positive social alternatives.