The Foulbe (also known as the Peul or Fulani) live in northern Cameroon (Encyclopedia of the Third World 1992, 308; The Advocate 26 July 1997, AFP 12 Oct. 1997; Aaron 1982, 48). The Foulbe, who are mainly Muslims, are believed to have migrated to Cameroon from Senegal and they practice animal husbandry (Aaron 1982, 48), and traditional African religions (The Advocate 26 July 1997).

The Foulbe are divided into pastoral or cattle herding Fulani and urban or town-dwelling Fulani. The former tend to be traditional and nomadic (ibid., Star Tribune 13 Dec. 1998), while the latter "receive better education and more western ways of life. They are found mostly in the towns located in Diamaré, Benue and Adamawa areas" (Aaron 1982, 49). Among the cattle Fulani are the Bororo, who are very "loyal" to their traditional way of life (ibid.).

The ancient traditions of the cattle-Fulani are reportedly clashing with the demands of a modern life and "uneducated and politically powerless, the Fulani can no longer live as subsistence farmers, operating outside the mainstream" (Star Tribune 13 Dec. 1998).

In early 1996 violent clashes over land, between farmers and cattle grazers, "occasionally" leading to loss of life were reportedly in Wum province of north-western Cameroun (IPS 2 Jan. 1996). Tension between the Fulani and the Kirdi, "descendents of diverse animist peoples whom the Fulani conquered or displaced," was also reported in 1998 (Country Reports 1998 1999, 55).

No reports on the relationship between the Foulbe and the governments could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please see the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Aaron, N.S. 1982. Modern Geography of the United Republic of Cameroon. New York: University of Albany.

The Advocate [Baton Rouge]. George Morris. "Heading to Africa: Single Mom to Teach in Cameroon." (NEXIS)

Agence France Presse (AFP). 12 October 1997. "Cameroon Profile: Facts and Figures." (NEXIS)

Encyclopedia of the Third World. 1992. 4th ed. Vol. 1. Edited by George Thomas Kurian. New York: Facts on File.

Inter Press Service (IPS). 2 January 1996. Tansa Musa. "Cameroon-Agriculture: Farmers and Cattle-owners clash over land." (NEXIS)

Star Tribune [Minneapolis]. Jack Crosby. "Poor Dairy Farmers Get Minnesota Assist." (NEXIS)

Africa Confidential [London]. January 1998 - June 1999. Vols. 38-39.

Africa Research Bulletin: Political, Social and Cultural Series [Oxford]. 1997-1998. Vols. 34-35. Nos. 1-12.

Amnesty International. 1998. Amnesty International Report 1998. New York: Amnesty International USA.

Political Handbook of the World 1998. 1998. Edited by Arthur S. Banks. Binghamton, NY: CSA Publications.

Electronic sources: IRB databases, Internet, LEXIS/NEXIS, World Network Connection (WNC)

West Africa [London]. June 1998-January 1999. Nos. 4192-4201.

Three oral sources consulted did not provide information on the requested subject.