World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Cameroon : Montagnards
| Publisher | Minority Rights Group International |
| Publication Date | October 2017 |
| Cite as | Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Cameroon : Montagnards, October 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a0579ed7.html [accessed 12 October 2022] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Updated September 2017
Profile
The Montagnards, made up of around 15 distinct groups also known as 'Kirdi', a pejorative term adopted as a marker of ethnic pride, live in the highlands of northern Cameroon. Once enslaved by the Peuhl, they were forced to give up some of their lands to escape Islamization and were reportedly marginalized under the Ahidjo regime.
Current issues
Montagnards reportedly face ongoing discrimination. The UN Independent Expert on minority issues expressed concern following a 2013 country visit that some Montagnards undergo exploitative labour practices amounting to bonded labour or forced servitude; have little or no decision-making power in their communities; and suffer from lack of access to services.
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