Information reaching BaretaNews suggests President Paul Biya on Thursday 4th August 2016, signed a decree instituting a change in the ID Card production. The New ID Cards will hence have a magnetic stripe with a microprocessor and will carry a phone number. Cameroonians will be able to be identified hence by a unique phone number.

In line with this, the Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, shall next week begin with the launching process of the new national identity card production system.

The decree states that the move is in line with the government policy of modernization and security of the Cameroonian civil status.

BaretaNews recalls that on April 28, 2015, a 12 man safety identification committee was created by a Presidential decree so as to change and overhaul the identification system in the Cameroons. They reportedly made their recommendations which led to the August, 4th Presidential decree.

BaretaNews is told Gemalto company will take charge of the production of residence permits, refugee cards, retired and national identity card. The old identification cards will be withdrawn gradually from the public, reports suggests.

Cameroon is trying to move in the footsteps of Nigeria. Would this be a good move for the Cameroons economy and safety of Cameroonians? Should the government priorities digitizing the banking system first before engaging in this? Or is it a political move meant to monitor Cameroonians prior to the 2018 elections? Should Cameroonians credit the government for this move? What have you?

God is still saying something.