Cameroon armed conflict have costed humanity alot both properties, life and peace. Turmoil which began in 2016 after Government bloody repression of armless protesters. However, Parties involved in the crises had roles.
Paul Biyar's Role:
Paul Biya has been ruling Cameroon for over four decades, making him the second-longest-ruling president in Africa and the longest consecutively serving non-royal national leader in the world. Born in 1933, Biya rose to prominence under President Ahmadou Ahidjo in the 1960s, serving as Secretary-General of the Presidency and later as Prime Minister. He became president in 1982 after Ahidjo's surprise resignation and consolidated power by eliminating his rivals in a staged coup attempt.
Early Years and Reforms:
Biya introduced political reforms in the 1980s within a one-party system, later accepting multiparty politics in the 1990s under pressure. He won contentious presidential elections in 1992, 1997, 2004, 2011, and 2018, with opposition politicians and Western governments alleging voting irregularities and fraud.
Controversies and Criticisms:
Biya's regime has been criticized for authoritarian characteristics, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement. The country's Anglophone regions have been plagued by protests and violence since 2016, with separatists calling for independence. Biya's government has been accused of committing crimes against humanity, including genocide, rape, and extrajudicial killings.
Economic Challenges:
Cameroon's economy has struggled under Biya's rule, with widespread corruption, mismanagement, and a heavy reliance on foreign aid. The country's structural adjustment plan, imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, has led to privatization, reduced social spending, and increased poverty.
Legacy and Future:
Biya's legacy is complex and contentious, with many Cameroonians (Majority of French Speaking) viewing him as a symbol of stability and others seeing him as an obstacle to progress. As the country faces ongoing conflicts, economic challenges, and demographic changes, Biya's continued rule remains a topic of debate and concern.
Anglophone Cameroon History Overview:
• Colonial Era (1911-1961)
1. German Kamerun (1884-1911): Cameroon was a German colony.
2. British and French Mandates (1911-1961): After WWI, Cameroon was divided between Britain and France under League of Nations mandates.
3. British Southern Cameroons (1911-1961): The British administered the western part of Cameroon.
• Independence and Unification (1961)
1. French Cameroun gained independence (January 1, 1960).
2. British Southern Cameroons held a UN-organized referendum (February 11, 1961).
3. Anglophone Cameroon joined French Cameroun to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon.
• Federal Republic (1961-1972)
1. Anglophones and Francophones had equal status.
2. West Cameroon (Anglophone) and East Cameroon (Francophone) were autonomous.
• Unitary State (1972)
1. President Ahmadou Ahidjo abolished federalism.
2. Cameroon became a unitary state.
• Anglophone Marginalization (1972-2016)
1. Anglophones felt excluded from power and resources.
2. Economic and cultural disparities grew.
• Anglophone Crisis (2016-present)
1. Lawyers and teachers' strikes (2016) sparked widespread protests.
2. Separatist movements emerged, demanding independence.
3. Government crackdowns and violence escalated.
• Key Figures and Events
1. John Ngu Foncha: Led Anglophone Cameroon to independence and unification.
2. Ahmadou Ahidjo: Abolished federalism.
3. Paul Biya: President since 1982.
4. 2017: Ambazonia declares independence, leading to increased violence.
5. 2018: Presidential elections marred by boycotts and violence.
6. 2019: Major National Dialogue fails to address Anglophone concerns.
7. 2020: COVID-19 exacerbates humanitarian crisis.
• Separatist Groups and Leaders
1. Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF) - Dr. Cho Ayaba.
2. Southern Cameroons Defence Forces (SOCADEF) - Ebenezer Akwanga.
3. Cameroon Liberation Movement (CLM).
• International Response
1. UN Security Council discussions (2019).
2. African Union and EU calls for dialogue.
3. US, UK, and French governments condemn violence.
• Human Rights Concerns
1. Extrajudicial killings.
2. Torture and detention.
3. Displacement and refugees.
• Economic Impact
1. Destruction of infrastructure.
2. Loss of livelihoods.
3. Economic stagnation.
• Current Situation
1. Ongoing clashes between separatists and government forces.
2. Humanitarian crisis deepens.
3. International community urges peaceful resolution.
4. 24th September 2024: Dr Cho Lucas Ayaba Arrest by Norwegian Police over war crime and terrorism accusations
• Potential Solutions
1. Dialogue and negotiations.
2. Federalism or decentralization.
3. Addressing historical grievances.
Dr Cho Lucas Ayaba Arrest In Norway 24th September, 2024:
Ayaba Cho Lucas, leader of the Ambazonian Defense Forces (ADF), was arrested on September 24th for allegedly sponsoring terrorism in Cameroon. The 52-year-old, a resident of Norway, appeared before the Oslo District Court on September 25th.
The ADF recently set taxi vehicles ablaze in Bamenda, demanding color changes. Lucas is accused of inciting crimes against humanity in Cameroon's Anglophone crisis, which has claimed over 6,000 lives and displaced 760,000 since 2016.
Norwegian authorities seek his custody, citing evidence tampering concerns.
• Lost Opportunities: How Diplomatic Missteps Fuelled Southern Cameroon's Conflict:
The Southern Cameroon independence movement has been marred by a lack of international support, leading many to question whether Dr. Cho Lucas Ayaba's resort to armed struggle was necessary or a result of failed diplomatic efforts.
The movement's inability to secure significant international backing can be attributed to several factors.
1. Lack of Global Awareness: The conflict in Southern Cameroon has garnered minimal attention from the global community, making it challenging to secure international support.
2. Complexity of the Issue: The conflict's historical, cultural, and political intricacies have made it difficult for foreign nations to take a clear stance.
3. Diplomatic Efforts: The movement's diplomatic efforts have been hampered by internal divisions and the absence of a unified front. This has made it challenging for international organizations and foreign governments to engage with the movement effectively.
4. Consequences of Armed Struggle: Dr. Ayaba's decision to take up arms has led to devastating consequences, including loss of life, displacement, and economic stagnation. While some argue that armed struggle was necessary to bring attention to the movement, others contend that it has undermined the legitimacy of the cause.
5. Alternative Approaches: Many experts advocate for a return to diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the importance of a unified front and strategic engagement with international organizations.
Key Strategies For Way forward:
1. Building Global Awareness: Utilize social media, international events, and advocacy groups to raise awareness about the conflict.
2. Unified Front: Establish a cohesive leadership structure to engage with international organizations.
3. Strategic Partnerships: Foster relationships with key nations and organizations to secure support.
Ultimately, the Southern Cameroon independence movement's failure to secure international support can be attributed to a combination of factors. While Dr. Ayaba's decision to take up arms was likely a result of frustration with diplomatic efforts, it is crucial to reassess and revitalize diplomatic strategies to achieve a peaceful resolution.
Credit: Throwback Times Reports
