Life in motion

Residential trajectories of internal migrants in Cameroon

Bibliographic Data

ID24227239
AuthorsEls Keunen (0009-0005-1280-8175, University of Stuttgart), Astrid Ley (0000-0002-7297-8214, University of Stuttgart)
Year2026
Pages1-24
Publication date2026-10-12
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHousing Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0267-3037 • E-ISSN: 1466-1810
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/02673037.2026.2744255
OpenAlexW7221518012
LanguageEN
References cited44

Urbanization in Cameroon is driven largely by internal migration, yet the micro-level dynamics of migrants’ residential moves in an African context remain understudied. This article seeks to answer the research question ‘What characterizes residential trajectories of Anglophone migrants in Douala?’ with specific attention to how these trajectories are shaped by three main interacting forces: (1) migrants’ individual (and household) characteristics, including their agency and aspirations, (2) their translocal practices and sense of belonging, and (3) external disruptions. While the analysis is based on 24 semi-structured interviews, it presents the detailed residential trajectories of six respondents as illustrative cases. They reveal highly complex, non-linear pathways characterized by frequent, often forced moves, linked to precarious livelihoods, the Anglophone crisis, and ad-hoc urban demolitions. The findings highlight the central role of translocal networks and enduring ties to origin regions in shaping both mobility decisions and housing aspirations. Policy implications include prioritizing secure rental options, instituting transparent demolition procedures, and integrating flexible, conflict-responsive planning that recognizes the translocal realities of internal migrants.

Anglophone crisis · Douala · forced displacement · housing aspirations · Internal migration · precarious livelihoods · residential trajectories · sense of belonging · translocal networks · urban demolition · Urbanization · Migration and Labor Dynamics · Migration, Aging, and Tourism Studies · Urban and Rural Development Challenges

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access