Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya urges Cameroon’s government to hold direct talks with separatist fighters in the English-speaking regions to achieve sustainable peace. The ongoing separatist crisis stems from historical grievances and has caused significant loss of life and displacement. Despite advancements in dialogue resolutions, experts warn that addressing root causes is essential to prevent future conflict.
In a recent statement, Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of the Bamenda archdiocese urged the government of Cameroon to engage in direct discussions with separatist fighters in the nation’s two English-speaking regions to foster sustainable peace. Speaking on March 18 in Yaoundé during a meeting to review the outcomes of the Major National Dialogue, Nkea emphasized that the separatists perceive a lack of genuine commitment from the government towards resolving the crisis.
The separatist conflict, which erupted in 2016, originated from grievances raised by lawyers and teachers regarding marginalization by the predominantly French-speaking government. This unrest ultimately escalated into a violent struggle for independence by armed groups seeking to form the state of Ambazonia, resulting in over 6,000 fatalities and the displacement of more than one million individuals.
Cameroon has a complex linguistic legacy, with both French and English speakers coexisting due to its colonial past. The Anglophone regions feel a sense of injustice and neglect regarding their rights and identity. President Paul Biya acknowledged on November 12, 2019, that previous attempts to assimilate these regions into the Francophone framework failed due to inherent identity differences, further igniting tensions that led to conflict.
The Major National Dialogue proposed several measures meant to address the crisis, including granting special status to the Anglophone regions, restoring traditional governance structures, and enhancing local development. While Archbishop Nkea recognized that there had been measurable progress on some commitments, he stressed the necessity of engaging directly with the core separatists, asserting that mere discussions among government officials do not suffice.
Nkea expressed the Church’s willingness to facilitate dialogue, clarifying that it cannot make promises on behalf of the state. He highlighted the importance of approaching the separatists as individuals in need of reconciliation rather than adversaries. He pointed out that perceptions exist within the separatist community that certain government officials may benefit from perpetuating the conflict, which complicates trust.
Additionally, some separatist fighters have shown interest in attending future meetings, indicating a tentative willingness to participate in discussions. Nkea condemned the reliance on force for conflict resolution, arguing that meaningful dialogue is essential for lasting peace. He stated, “All wars, including the First and Second World Wars, ended at the negotiating table.”
Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute acknowledged the efforts of religious leaders while outlining government advancements in implementing dialogue resolutions. He reported that significant progress has been made in the decentralization process and that many ex-combatants have been disarmed and are undergoing reintegration training. He attributed the ongoing discomfort with violence within the population as evidence of a collective rejection of war.
However, experts in conflict resolution caution that failing to address the root causes of the violence could lead to nonviolent yet oppressive conditions, described as “negative peace.” This situation, devoid of open conflict, would imply unresolved grievances, risking future discord in Cameroon.
In conclusion, Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya’s call for direct engagement with separatist fighters highlights the pressing need for meaningful dialogue to achieve lasting peace in Cameroon. The ongoing conflict, rooted in historical grievances and identity issues, necessitates a comprehensive approach that addresses underlying tensions. Though the government reports progress, it must prioritize genuine discussions with separatist leaders to avoid a repeat of conflict in the future.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
