The Ongoing Civil War in Cameroon: Unveiling the Hidden Human Tragedy No One Talks About

 Since 2017, a brutal civil war has been ravaging Cameroon, claiming over 6,000 lives, displacing more than a million people, and leaving nearly 4 million in need of humanitarian aid. Despite the staggering human toll, the conflict remains largely overlooked on the international stage. This article aims to shed light on the intricate web of historical, linguistic, and political factors that have fuelled the crisis, while also delving into the recent failed attempts at peace, particularly the Canadian-backed initiative in January 2023.

The roots of the conflict can be traced back to 2016 when protests erupted in the Anglophone North-West and South-West regions, fuelled by grievances over language-based discrimination and the broader marginalization of Cameroon's Anglophone population. The protests sought to challenge the imposition of French-speaking teachers and judges in Anglophone schools and courts. The situation escalated into a full-blown civil war in 2017, triggered by the alleged attempts to impose the French language in Anglophone regions.

In January 2023, Canada, backed by a history of bilateral relations with Cameroon, initiated a dialogue aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing conflict. The announcement raised hopes but was quickly met with frustration as the government of Cameroon rejected the peace overture just three days later. Despite linguistic similarities between the two countries, Canada's efforts were primarily driven by economic interests, including development assistance, investment, and trade.

The crux of the conflict lies in the complex historical background, with the partition of Cameroon by France and the United Kingdom in the aftermath of World War I. The linguistic divide created then has led to a persistent feeling of political and economic marginalization among the English-speaking minority, constituting only 17% of the population.

Efforts to mediate the conflict have faced repeated setbacks, with various peace talks initiated since 2019 yielding little success. The internal divisions among the separatist movement and the government's desire for a military victory further complicate the peace process. The conflict has given rise to a war economy, benefiting military personnel, political leaders, and certain Ambazonian groups.

The impact on the civilian population has been catastrophic, with over 6,000 lives lost, hundreds of villages razed, and hundreds of thousands displaced. Amid this backdrop, the call for an inclusive dialogue and a referendum emerges as a consistent plea from the affected communities. While participants from Ground Zero express weariness from the prolonged conflict, their desire for political resolution remains strong.

As the war enters its sixth year, the need for international mediation becomes increasingly apparent. Participants from Ground Zero emphasize the importance of foreign intervention, pointing to the UN and African Union as potential mediators. The recent Canadian peace initiative, though rejected by the government, is seen as a potential avenue for dialogue by some separatist factions.

In conclusion, the ongoing civil war in Cameroon remains a deeply entrenched and complex crisis, demanding urgent international attention. As citizens on the ground express a yearning for an inclusive dialogue and a referendum, the international community must play a proactive role in mediating a resolution to end the suffering and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future in Cameroon.

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