Beyond the individual who made the post, it reflects a deeply troubling reality: racism and racial discrimination continue to exist, even in an age when the world has made significant progress in recognising the equal dignity and worth of every human being.

The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) affirms that all people are born equal in dignity and rights, regardless of their race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin. No one should be denied opportunities, respect, or equal treatment because of the colour of their skin.

It is heartbreaking that, in this day and age, some people still choose to degrade others based on race, appearance, body size, height, ethnicity, or other characteristics beyond their control. Such attitudes fuel prejudice, exclusion, and injustice, creating barriers to peaceful and inclusive societies.

Treating others with courtesy, respect, and dignity never diminishes your worth. On the contrary, it reflects your character and humanity. However, when we begin to see certain groups of people as less human than ourselves, it becomes easier to justify discrimination, exclusion, and even violations of their fundamental human rights.

A just society begins with recognising the inherent dignity of every person. Our differences should never be used as a basis for hatred or exclusion. Instead, they should remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to build communities founded on equality, respect, and justice for all.

This reflection is based on a personal experience and is shared in the spirit of promoting constructive dialogue on professionalism, human rights, and public trust. It is not intended to condemn any institution but to encourage conversations that strengthen accountability, respect, and effective security.

A few days ago, I had an encounter with members of the Cameroon Gendarmerie at Mobile Nkwen in Bamenda, North-West Region. Although brief, the experience left me reflecting on professionalism, respect, and the protection of human rights in everyday interactions between citizens and security personnel.

After visiting someone at Nkwen Baptist Hospital with my aunt, we decided to walk to the nearby market. It was a busy afternoon, and people were going about their daily activities as we chatted along the way.

As we approached a group of about five gendarmes who appeared to be on duty, one of them shouted, "Hey!" We politely responded, "Good afternoon," and continued walking because we did not realise he was specifically addressing us. Moments later, several of them shouted again, and one officer demanded to know whether I had not heard his colleague calling me.

His tone was intimidating. Although I had done nothing wrong, I immediately felt afraid. As we continued walking, an elderly woman who had witnessed the exchange quietly remarked, "Na by force?" ("Is it by force?").

The encounter lasted only a few moments, but it stayed with me long afterwards. It also prompted broader reflections about policing, professionalism, and public trust in a region that has experienced conflict and insecurity for nearly a decade.

I found myself asking questions that many citizens especially women and girls may silently ask:

What if I had been walking alone?

What if this had happened in a deserted area with no witnesses?

What if I had been a younger girl who did not know how to respond?

These are not merely hypothetical questions. For many people, they reflect genuine concerns about safety, dignity, and the relationship between citizens and those entrusted with protecting them.

For nearly a decade, the North-West Region has endured conflict and insecurity. Throughout this difficult period, members of our defence and security forces have carried the enormous responsibility of protecting lives and property, often under extremely challenging conditions. Their sacrifices and commitment deserve recognition.

At the same time, security and human dignity should never be viewed as competing priorities. Effective security is strengthened not weakened when law enforcement officers engage citizens with professionalism, respect, and clear communication.

If I had genuinely been a person of interest, there were more professional ways to engage me. An officer could have approached respectfully, identified himself, briefly explained the reason for stopping me, and asked the necessary questions. Such an approach would have met legitimate security objectives while preserving my dignity and reducing unnecessary fear.

This reflection is not intended to condemn the Cameroon Gendarmerie or the broader defence and security forces. Many officers serve with courage, discipline, and integrity under extremely difficult circumstances. However, like every institution, there are individuals whose conduct falls short of the professional standards expected by both the institution and the public.

Public trust is built not only through successful security operations but also through everyday interactions. Small moments of professionalism, courtesy, and fairness shape how citizens perceive the institutions responsible for their safety.

Moving from Reflection to Action

Strengthening trust between communities and security institutions requires a collective effort.

The Government can continue investing in regular training on human rights, ethical policing, gender-sensitive approaches, communication, and de-escalation techniques. It can also strengthen supervision, ensure accessible and transparent complaint mechanisms, and recognise officers who consistently demonstrate professionalism while addressing misconduct fairly and impartially.

Civil society organisations can complement these efforts by promoting human rights education, facilitating dialogue between communities and security actors, providing legal awareness, documenting lessons learned, and supporting peacebuilding initiatives that foster mutual understanding.

Citizens also have an important role to play by engaging respectfully with security personnel, understanding their civic rights and responsibilities, reporting misconduct through appropriate channels, and participating in community dialogue initiatives that strengthen public confidence.

Ultimately, security is most effective when it is built on partnership rather than fear.

As someone passionate about peacebuilding, human rights, child protection, and good governance, I believe we should continue asking important questions:

• How can security personnel be better supported through continuous professional development?

• How can accountability mechanisms be strengthened while recognising the difficult conditions under which many officers serve?

• How can government institutions, civil society, communities, and security forces work together to rebuild public trust?

These are not questions of blame. They are questions of nation-building.

I left that encounter physically unharmed, but with a deeper conviction that the way authority is exercised matters just as much as the authority itself. A peaceful and secure society is one where citizens feel protected not only from insecurity but also in their interactions with those sworn to protect them.

Professionalism, respect, accountability, and human dignity are not optional values. They are essential foundations for effective security, sustainable peace, and democratic governance. Constructive conversations like these can help build safer communities where citizens and security personnel work together with mutual trust and respect.