Archbishop Calls for Direct Negotiations with Separatists in Cameroon

Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya urges the Cameroonian government to initiate direct talks with separatist fighters in the English-speaking regions to foster sustainable peace. The ongoing conflict, which began in 2016, has led to significant loss of life and displacement. While the government has made progress through the Major National Dialogue, experts warn against achieving only “negative peace” without addressing root causes of conflict.

In a recent statement, Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya emphasized the necessity for the Cameroonian government to engage in direct negotiations with separatist fighters in the two English-speaking regions to achieve lasting peace. Speaking in Yaoundé on March 18, during a meeting assessing the implementation of the Major National Dialogue resolutions, he underscored that many separatists perceive the government as insincere in its commitment to resolving the ongoing conflict.

The separatist crisis, ignited in 2016 by grievances from lawyers and teachers in English-speaking territories against perceived marginalization by the French-speaking government, has resulted in extensive violence and instability. This has led to the loss of more than 6,000 lives and the displacement of over one million residents, as armed factions strive for the independence of a new state, Ambazonia.

Referring to the historical context of Cameroon’s linguistic divisions, Archbishop Nkea highlighted longstanding concerns from the Anglophone regions regarding neglect of their identity and rights. President Paul Biya acknowledged past failures in assimilating the Anglophone system within a predominantly Francophone framework, which ultimately incited open conflict.

The Major National Dialogue initiated various measures to address the crisis, including granting special status to Anglophone regions, enhancing local governance through decentralization, and fostering socio-economic development. Archbishop Nkea remarked on the notable developments resulting from these resolutions, while also insisting on the need for direct dialogue with the separatists.

He cautioned that the current approach could lead to distrust among the separatists, as they feel excluded from discussions aimed at their future. The church’s role is facilitative, yet it lacks the authority to make commitments on behalf of the government. Nkea emphasized that peaceful resolution requires significant engagement, encouraging both sides to abandon reliance on force.

Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute acknowledged the government’s progress in implementing dialogue resolutions, touting achievements in decentralization and the disarmament of fighters. He expressed optimism about peace gradually returning to the affected regions but warned that missing the root causes of conflict could lead to a fragile situation termed “negative peace.”

Experts caution that without addressing deep-seated issues such as injustice and inequality, Cameroon risks future conflicts despite a decrease in visible violence. Proper acknowledgment and action towards these causes are essential for establishing genuine peace and stability in the country.

The Archbishop’s call for direct talks with separatists reflects a critical step toward addressing the underlying issues fueling the ongoing conflict in Cameroon. Despite some progress made by the government, the necessity for genuine dialogue remains paramount to avoid a superficial peace that fails to resolve core injustices. The insights from both religious leaders and conflict experts highlight that lasting peace will require a comprehensive approach that addresses the roots of discontent and fosters meaningful engagement.

Original Source: cruxnow.com