By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi
More than 500 residents of Mile 16-Bolifamba in the South West Region took part in a community-wide campaign against the use and distribution of illicit drugs on June 26, 2026, as civil society organizations intensified efforts to combat substance abuse among young people.
The campaign was organized by the South West Union of Human Rights Associations (SWUHRA) in collaboration with the Cameroon Human Rights Commission and other local civil society organizations based in Mile 16. The initiative was spearheaded by REREHABET under the leadership of Lucas Nji.
Bringing together women, men and youths, the campaign featured a peaceful march through the community, public sensitization sessions and door-to-door awareness activities aimed at educating residents on the dangers of illicit drug use and the importance of community action.
Organizers said the initiative sought to address the growing abuse and circulation of illicit drugs in the South West Region, a trend they believe poses serious threats to public health, security, peace and human dignity.
Beyond awareness raising, the operation also yielded enforcement results. Working alongside law enforcement officers and local vigilante groups, campaign organizers identified and apprehended several individuals allegedly involved in the sale and distribution of illicit substances. The suspects were handed over to the competent authorities for further action.
The campaign also adopted a victim-centred approach by referring more than 20 drug users to a partner organization for psychosocial support and rehabilitation instead of treating them as criminals.
Speaking to journalists after the peace march, the Coordinator of the South West Union of Human Rights Associations, Rev. Sama Ndaghu, said the operation was aimed at targeting both consumers and suppliers of illicit drugs. “Our goal is to get not just the consumers but the distributors of the illicit drugs and so far we have apprehended some suppliers in mile 16 and Mutengene who are now in the hands of forces of law and order.”
Rev. Ndaghu also appealed to residents to work closely with the organization by reporting locations where drug-related activities continue to flourish, particularly in Mile 16, which has been identified as one of the areas most affected by drug abuse.
The campaign drew support from members of the community, many of whom expressed concern over the growing social consequences of substance abuse.
Reacting to the initiative, community member Mama Pauline Enjema described the campaign as timely and called for sustained action. “Our children are becoming dangerous as the day go buy, our things are no longer safe, from shops to households appliances, we don’t want them anymore in our society.”
Organizers described the high turnout as a demonstration of the community’s determination to confront the problem collectively. They also hailed the collaboration between civil society organizations, the Cameroon Human Rights Commission, law enforcement agencies and local vigilante groups as a model for future interventions.
Following the success of the Mile 16 campaign, the South West Union of Human Rights Associations announced plans to extend similar operations to other communities across the South West Region. The organization said future activities will focus on strengthening partnerships with public institutions, traditional authorities, rehabilitation centres and local communities while sustaining public education in schools, churches, markets and youth groups.
The union maintains that a coordinated, community-driven and human rights-based approach remains essential in protecting the health, safety and dignity of citizens while addressing the growing challenge of illicit drug abuse in the region.
