Smart Borders: Challenges and Contributions of Artificial Intelligence to Territorial Security in Cameroon

The current This article examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in strengthening Cameroon’s border surveillance system, with a particular focus on the North and East border regions. Recent advances in AI, including biometric identification, facial recognition, and automated behavioral analysis, have transformed border security by enhancing the detection of suspicious individuals and activities. Cameroon’s porous borders with crisis-affected countries in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) and the Sahel expose the country to cross-border incursions by armed groups, terrorists, and transnational criminal networks, making border surveillance a strategic national priority. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data within a geopolitical framework to analyze crime trends, regional security dynamics, and armed incursions affecting Cameroonian territory. The findings indicate that AI offers effective technological solutions to the growing security challenges facing the country. Given the extensive length and complexity of Cameroon’s borders—including approximately 1,800 km with Nigeria and 2,600 km with the Central African Republic—traditional surveillance methods are increasingly insufficient. AI-powered systems enable the rapid processing of large volumes of information from multiple sources, including travel records, biometric databases, and facial recognition technologies. These systems support personalized risk assessment, improve the identification of individuals and vehicles, and facilitate the early detection of illegal crossings and potential security threats. The study concludes that integrating AI into border surveillance significantly enhances operational efficiency, strengthens territorial sovereignty, and supports national and regional security. However, its implementation should be accompanied by appropriate legal, ethical, and governance frameworks to ensure responsible and effective use of these technologies.