Cameroon's Anglophone crisis demands urgent attention

Africa Portal - September 11, 2017

Since October 2016, protests around sectoral demands have degenerated into a political crisis in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions, sparking concern about violence and instability ahead of next year's elections. Analysts from the International Crisis Group suggest the way forward. T T  he Anglophones of Cameroon, 20 percent of the population, feel marginalised. Their frustrations surfaced dramatically at the end of 2016 when a series of sectoral grievances morphed into political demands, leading to strikes and riots. The movement grew to the point where the government’s repressive approach was no longer sufficient to calm the situation, forcing it to negotiate with Anglophone trade unions and make some concessions. Popular mobilisation is now weakening, but the majority of Anglophones are far from happy. Having lived through three months with no internet, six months of general strikes and one school year lost, many are now demanding federalism or secession.   Ahead of presidential elections next year, the resurgence of the Anglophone problem could bring instability. The government, with the support of the international community, should quickly take measures to calm the situation, with the aim of rebuilding trust and getting back to dialogue.

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