How Participatory is the Ongoing Solution to the Anglophone Crisis? (PDF)

Essay from the year 2023 in the subject Politics - Region: Africa, , language: English, abstract: The ongoing solution to the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon has been a topic of much debate and discussion. The crisis, which began in 2016, is a political and social conflict between the English-speaking regions of Cameroon and the French-speaking government. The conflict has resulted in violence, displacement, and human rights abuses, leading to calls for a participatory solution. There have been various attempts to address the crisis, including dialogue between the government and separatist groups, as well as international mediation efforts. However, the extent to which these efforts have been participatory is a matter of debate. Some argue that the government has not done enough to involve all stakeholders in the peace process. Critics point to the fact that many Anglophone leaders and activists have been arrested and detained, limiting their ability to participate in negotiations. Additionally, some argue that the government has not done enough to address the root causes of the conflict, such as marginalization and discrimination against Anglophones. On the other hand, supporters of the government's efforts argue that there have been attempts at dialogue and reconciliation. They point to initiatives such as the Major National Dialogue in 2019, which brought together various stakeholders to discuss solutions to the crisis. Furthermore, they argue that separatist groups have been unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue and have continued to engage in violence. Overall, the extent to which the ongoing solution to the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon is participatory remains a matter of debate. While there have been some attempts at dialogue and reconciliation, there are concerns about the government's commitment to involving all stakeholders in the peace process.