Life in motion: residential trajectories of internal migrants in Cameroon

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.