France’s Macron Urged To Take Action In Cameroon Anglophone Crisis

 

Deutsche Welle  | A group of scholars and human rights advocates has used the launch of the Paris Peace Forum to pressure President Macron to use France’s “considerable influence” to help bring Cameroon’s ongoing conflict to an end.

A group of scholars, writers and human rights advocates have penned an open letter to French President Emmanuel Macron, urging France to “up its engagement in resolving Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis” amid ongoing reports of “dehumanizing violence.”

For the past two years, Cameroon’s predominately English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions have been rocked by unrest after separatists declared the independence of Ambazonia. Up to 3,000 people have been killed in the violence between the separatists and government forces, and more than half a million have fled their homes since the uprising began.

The letter was published on Monday to coincide with the launch of the second Paris Peace Forum, in which 27 heads of state — including Cameroon’s longtime President Paul Biya — met with leaders of businesses and NGOs to discuss solutions to global challenges, with a focus on finding “innovative and lasting solutions.”

 

‘A disturbing and disappointing silence’

Since the beginning of the Anglophone crisis in 2017, the international community has been reluctant to engage in and mediate the conflict. It wasn’t until June this year that Switzerland announced it would help the government of Cameroon to negotiate with the rebels to bring an end to the crisis. Rebecca Tinsley, the founder of human rights organization Waging Peace and one of the signatories of the open letter, says the slow response ultimately comes down to geopolitics and the global fight against the extremist group, Boko Haram.

“Basically, the Government of Cameroon is using its own soldiers to fight the war on terror on behalf of the Global North,” she said. “In the northern part of Cameroon there are people from Boko Haram, thousands of them, causing chaos. It’s a case of the Cameroonian armed forces being a militia for hire. So [Cameroon] has sort of inoculated itself against criticism.”

France also maintains strong business and military links with Cameroon — a major Factor Tinsley says has contributed to France’s limited involvement in the crisis. “At the end of the colonial period, France never really left its former colonies,” she says. “[Cameroon] has oil, minerals and timber, and the French are very involved in the military and economic future of Cameroon. There is a disturbing and disappointing silence from a country that should be putting pressure on President Biya over his human rights record.”

‘Rwanda in slow motion’

The Anglophone Crisis has been described by some analysts as “Rwanda in slow motion,” with both government forces and separatist rebels regularly accused of war crimes and disturbing acts of violence.

“This is urgent: The dehumanizing violence in Cameroon must not reach the scale of what happened in Rwanda in 1994,” the open letter reads. “While armed non-state groups and bandits use machetes to maim, torture and behead, government forces are committing crimes against humanity such as extrajudicial executions and burning of villages.”

Amid the unrest, separatists have also enforced lockdowns in cities and towns, forcing many schools to remain closed for up to four academic years in a row.

Peace within reach?

Under international pressure, Biya held national peace talks last month, dubbed a ‘Major National Dialogue.’ He announced the release of 333 detainees arrested for their alleged roles in the Ambazonia uprising, however rebel leaders quickly dismissed the decision as a political stunt.

During the Paris Peace Forum on Tuesday, Biya made mention of the implementation of a “special status” for the Northwest and Southwest Anglophone regions — a potential solution which had been criticized after it first emerged as a major recommendation of the October peace talks.

Tinsley says a long-lasting solution to the Anglophone Crisis will ultimately require the involvement of outside players, with France and the Vatican likely to have the most influence in peace talks.

“The [Cameroonian-led] negotiations never really got to the heart of why there is this terrible conflict…it had no credibility whatsoever,” she told DW. “The only forces that will have any real impact of Biya is the Vatican, because this is a religious country and the French government…They are both in a position to push Biya to participate in talks which had been proposed in Switzerland.”

Tinsley is optimistic that Macron will heed the concerned calls of observers.

“Macron understands that France needs to move away from its traditional role in French-speaking Africa…He will want to find a more positive role for France in the region in the future.”

Parliamentary elections set for February

In a sign that President Biya may be taking further steps to resolve the crisis, the government announced fresh parliamentary elections for February 8, 2020.

The most recent parliamentary elections took place in 2013 for a five-year mandate, however, fresh polls have since been postponed twice.

Cameroonian activist and politician, Kah Walla, told DW she is skeptical of the impact the elections may have.

“We have this cultural problem in the electoral system which has consistently produced bad elections for Cameroon,” she says. “We are electing parliamentarians who have no power…so elections are completely useless.”

“We need to reconcile the country. The majority of the regions in the country are [experiencing violence]. We need to discuss a new form of the state and truly decentralize it. Elections are the last step, not the first.”

367 thoughts on “France’s Macron Urged To Take Action In Cameroon Anglophone Crisis

  1. Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem with your web site in web explorer, may check this?
    IE still is the marketplace chief and a good portion of other folks will
    omit your great writing due to this problem.

  2. That is a very good tip particularly to those new to the
    blogosphere. Brief but very precise information… Thanks for sharing this one.
    A must read post!

  3. Tremendous things here. I’m very satisfied to see your article.
    Thank you so much and I am having a look forward to contact you.
    Will you please drop me a mail?

  4. Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve take into account your stuff prior to and you’re simply too fantastic. I really like what you’ve got here, really like what you’re stating and the way through which you assert it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a great website.

  5. I’m extremely inspired together with your writing talents and
    also with the structure in your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did
    you modify it your self? Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to look a nice blog like
    this one today..

  6. Hey very nice web site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also? I am glad to find so many useful information here in the post, we’d like develop more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  7. I’m now not positive where you are getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or working out more. Thank you for wonderful information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.

  8. Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  9. This is a very good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate information Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!

  10. Unquestionably believe that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the net the simplest thing to take into account of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as other folks consider concerns that they plainly do not understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , folks can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you

  11. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say great blog!

  12. You should be a part of a contest for one of the highest quality sites on the internet.
    I most certainly will highly recommend this web site!

  13. Having read this I thought it was rather enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

  14. Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  15. [url=https://pharmacyreview.best/#]canadian pharmacy online[/url] certified canadian international pharmacy

  16. Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  17. ivermectin oral [url=http://stromectolonline.pro/#]ivermectin 3 mg tablet dosage[/url] ivermectin tablets

  18. how much is zithromax 250 mg [url=http://azithromycin.men/#]zithromax over the counter canada[/url] zithromax online australia

  19. I will right away take hold of your rss as I can not in finding your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please permit me understand so that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  20. It is perfect time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy. I have read this submit and if I may just I want to recommend you few fascinating things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things approximately it!

  21. To announce verified news, ape these tips:

    Look representing credible sources: https://md-pace.com/wp-content/pages/what-is-the-zip-code-for-newport-news-va.html. It’s material to secure that the newscast outset you are reading is reliable and unbiased. Some examples of good sources tabulate BBC, Reuters, and The Fashionable York Times. Review multiple sources to get a well-rounded sentiment of a discriminating news event. This can help you carp a more complete facsimile and keep bias. Be aware of the viewpoint the article is coming from, as set respectable hearsay sources can contain bias. Fact-check the gen with another origin if a news article seems too lurid or unbelievable. Many times pass persuaded you are reading a advised article, as expos‚ can substitute quickly.

    By following these tips, you can fit a more in the know scandal reader and best be aware the everybody around you.

  22. Hi, I think your web site may be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, fantastic website!

  23. I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for wonderful information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  24. Positively! Finding expos‚ portals in the UK can be awesome, but there are numerous resources accessible to help you espy the unexcelled the same because you. As I mentioned in advance, conducting an online search for http://valla-cranes.co.uk/wp-content/pages/why-is-fox-news-not-working-on-comcast.html “UK hot item websites” or “British news portals” is a pronounced starting point. Not only purposefulness this give you a thorough tip of report websites, but it will also provide you with a heartier brainpower of the in the air news scene in the UK.
    Aeons ago you obtain a itemize of potential rumour portals, it’s prominent to estimate each anyone to influence which richest suits your preferences. As an example, BBC Intelligence is known quest of its ambition reporting of intelligence stories, while The Custodian is known for its in-depth analysis of partisan and group issues. The Disinterested is known for its investigative journalism, while The Times is known by reason of its business and wealth coverage. Not later than arrangement these differences, you can decide the news portal that caters to your interests and provides you with the newsflash you hope for to read.
    Additionally, it’s significance looking at neighbourhood expos‚ portals for explicit regions within the UK. These portals lay down coverage of events and dirt stories that are akin to the область, which can be especially helpful if you’re looking to charge of up with events in your close by community. In behalf of occurrence, shire news portals in London number the Evening Pier and the Londonist, while Manchester Evening News and Liverpool Reproduction are stylish in the North West.
    Inclusive, there are diverse news portals available in the UK, and it’s important to do your experimentation to find the joined that suits your needs. Sooner than evaluating the unalike low-down portals based on their coverage, luxury, and editorial viewpoint, you can select the song that provides you with the most fitting and engrossing despatch stories. Good success rate with your search, and I anticipate this tidings helps you come up with the correct news portal inasmuch as you!

  25. An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who was doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me lunch simply because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to discuss this matter here on your web page.

  26. you are really a just right webmaster. The site loading velocity is incredible. It kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a magnificent task in this matter!

  27. Hey there, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, superb blog!

  28. I have been surfing online more than three hours these days, yet I never found any fascinating article like yours. It’s lovely worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will probably be much more useful than ever before.

  29. Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

  30. After looking over a few of the blog articles on your web site, I truly like your way of blogging. I book marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back soon. Please check out my web site as well and let me know how you feel.

  31. Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, very good site!

  32. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It actually used to be a amusement account it. Glance complex to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we keep up a correspondence?

  33. Thanks for a marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will come back from now on. I want to encourage continue your great job, have a nice morning!

  34. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your blog. It seems like some of the text on your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them too? This might be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before. Cheers

  35. mexican mail order pharmacies [url=http://mexicanpharmacy.site/#]mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa[/url] mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa

  36. online pharmacy delivery [url=https://drugsotc.pro/#]online pharmacy india[/url] online pharmacy drop shipping

  37. mail order pharmacy india [url=http://indianpharmacy.life/#]online pharmacy India[/url] mail order pharmacy india

  38. Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Fantastic blog and great design and style.

  39. Хотите заказать стяжку пола в Москве, но не знаете, где искать надежного подрядчика? Обратитесь к нам на сайт styazhka-pola24.ru! Мы предоставляем услуги по устройству стяжки пола м2 по доступной стоимости, а также устройству стяжки пола под ключ.

  40. Хотите получить идеально ровные стены в своей квартире или офисе? Обращайтесь к профессионалам на сайте mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru! Мы предоставляем услуги по механизированной штукатурке стен в Москве и области, а также гарантируем быстрое и качественное выполнение работ.

  41. Kamagra Oral Jelly [url=https://kamagra.icu/#]buy kamagra online usa[/url] sildenafil oral jelly 100mg kamagra

  42. best online pharmacies in mexico: mexican mail order pharmacies – medication from mexico pharmacy mexicanpharmacy.company
    canada drugs online reviews [url=https://canadapharmacy.guru/#]buying from canadian pharmacies[/url] canadian pharmacy world canadapharmacy.guru

  43. Hiya! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!

  44. Сайт mehanizirovannaya-shtukaturka-moscow.ru является надежным партнером для тех, кто ищет качественную машинную штукатурку. Доверьтесь профессиональному мастерству.

  45. online pharmacy india: india online pharmacy – pharmacy website india indiapharmacy.pro
    cheapest online pharmacy india [url=http://indiapharmacy.pro/#]indian pharmacy[/url] india pharmacy mail order indiapharmacy.pro

  46. canada pharmacy world: canadian pharmacy 24 – canadian pharmacy review canadapharmacy.guru
    cheapest pharmacy canada [url=https://canadapharmacy.guru/#]canadian pharmacy victoza[/url] online canadian pharmacy reviews canadapharmacy.guru

  47. indian pharmacies safe: india online pharmacy – top online pharmacy india indiapharmacy.pro
    canadian pharmacy price checker [url=https://canadapharmacy.guru/#]canadian pharmacy drugs online[/url] canadapharmacyonline com canadapharmacy.guru

  48. http://clomid.sbs/# can you get clomid without a prescription
    20mg prednisone [url=http://prednisone.digital/#]how to purchase prednisone online[/url] where can i buy prednisone online without a prescription

  49. non prescription erection pills [url=http://edpills.monster/#]ed pills for sale[/url] best erectile dysfunction pills

  50. doxycycline 300 mg cost [url=https://doxycycline.forum/#]Buy Doxycycline for acne[/url] purchase doxycycline without prescription

  51. buy amoxicillin from canada [url=http://amoxicillin.best/#]purchase amoxicillin online[/url] amoxicillin medicine over the counter

  52. buying from online mexican pharmacy [url=https://mexicopharmacy.store/#]mexican pharmacy[/url] buying prescription drugs in mexico online

  53. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *