Long Hair at School: Hilaire Kamga Calls the Rule a “Neocolonial Practice” After the Nsam Tragedy

Following events at Nsam Technical High School, Hilaire Kamga questioned the requirement that Cameroonian students keep their hair short, calling it a “neocolonial practice.” He said the rule prevents young people from discovering and embracing their natural hair, and urged school officials to distinguish discipline from appearance. Kamga stressed that the student died on the street, not at school, and called for stronger checks on motorcycle passenger transport. He also raised questions about the limits of principals’ authority to deny students entry because of their hairstyles.