Waste Management Crisis: Activists mobilize viral campaign

By Synthia Lateu

Recently, social media has inundated with content featuring heaps of garbage as a backdrop under the hashtag “challenge poubelle.” Many, including influential figures, have joined the fight against the waste management crisis affecting Cameroon, hoping for a resolution.

Residents of major towns are alarmed by the environmental challenge, grappling with the pungent smells from days of uncollected waste littering the streets. The campaign, launched by music artist Xzafrane, has gained significant traction. He asserts that the initiative “is not just another social media challenge. It’s a campaign for civic engagement—a call for mobilization around a common cause, an act of revendication, and a call to action.” He hopes to raise awareness about environmental cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation, stating, “We wanted it to be the talk of the day.”

With expectations high, Xzafrane plans a nationwide clean-up exercise on April 5 to galvanize resources for this initiative. “What better way to end a campaign than to take to the streets and set an example by cleaning our environment? Cameroon belongs to all of us. If we allow our streets to be littered, we will be the ones to suffer and fall ill. ” He said and added “We will each dedicate a day for our country, going out with brooms, shovels, gloves, and working with sanitation services, if they agree, to borrow vehicles.”

According to communication expert Charles Ngah Nforgang, this campaign has the potential for significant impact by pressuring authorities to fulfill their responsibilities.

The hygiene and sanitation services in Cameroon have faced criticism for their inadequate performance. Limited trash cans and infrequent waste collection have contributed to the ongoing challenges in domestic waste management. In 2021, a similar social media initiative was launched by prominent media personality Yolande Bodjiong in an effort to address this persistent issue.