Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis: Ceasefire for papal visit exposes deeper colonial legacies and elite-driven conflict

The Anglophone crisis is rooted in the erasure of pre-colonial governance structures and the imposition of Francophone administrative systems after independence. Indigenous peacebuilding traditions, such as the *Njang* courts in the Northwest Region, have been marginalised in favour of state-controlled justice, exacerbating grievances. Local chiefs and traditional leaders often mediate disputes without state recognition, yet their roles are excluded from mainstream conflict narratives. The ceasefire’s focus on a papal visit further sidelines indigenous spiritual and cultural practices that prioritise communal reconciliation over religious symbolism.

The crisis stems from the 1961 plebiscite where British Southern Cameroons voted to join Francophone Cameroon, a decision imposed without safeguards for Anglophone autonomy. Post-independence, successive regimes systematically dismantled federal structures, replacing them with a unitary state that marginalised Anglophone elites and communities. The 1990s pro-democracy protests were violently suppressed, and the 2016 teacher and lawyer strikes marked a turning point, revealing deep-seated grievances. Colonial-era divide-and-rule policies continue to shape modern conflicts, with France playing a key role in sustaining the Cameroonian regime through military and economic support.

Across Africa, post-colonial states have struggled to integrate linguistic and cultural minorities, often leading to secessionist movements or protracted conflicts. In Nigeria, the Biafra War (1967–1970) similarly reflected ethnic and regional marginalisation, while in Ethiopia, the Tigray conflict has roots in historical federalism disputes. Indigenous conflict resolution methods, such as the *Gacaca* courts in Rwanda or the *Palaver* tradition in Sierra Leone, prioritise restorative justice over punitive approaches. The Cameroonian crisis reflects a global pattern where minority groups resist assimilation into dominant state narratives, often met with violent suppression.

Research on secessionist movements (e.g., Cederman et al., 2010) shows that grievances over political exclusion and economic marginalisation are primary drivers of conflict. The Anglophone crisis aligns with the *greed vs. grievance* framework, where resource wealth (e.g., oil in the Southwest Region) exacerbates tensions. Studies on ceasefires (e.g., Fortna, 2004) highlight that temporary pauses rarely lead to durable peace without addressing structural inequalities. The role of social media in mobilising separatist movements (e.g., WhatsApp and Facebook) has been understudied in mainstream coverage.

Artistic and spiritual expressions in Anglophone Cameroon, such as the *Bikutsi* music tradition or the *Njang* rituals, embody resistance to state assimilation and a reaffirmation of cultural identity. The ceasefire’s focus on a papal visit contrasts with local spiritual practices that view peace as a communal, not hierarchical, achievement. Many Anglophone Cameroonians draw on Christian and indigenous syncretic traditions to frame their struggle, yet these are excluded from secular conflict narratives. The visual arts, including protest murals and photography, have documented the crisis in ways that challenge official state narratives.

Scenario modelling suggests that without addressing structural inequalities, temporary ceasefires will only delay further escalation, potentially leading to a prolonged insurgency or state collapse. A federalist model with guaranteed autonomy for Anglophone regions, as proposed in the 2019 Major National Dialogue, could reduce grievances but risks being undermined by elite resistance. International actors, including the UN and African Union, must shift from reactive peacekeeping to proactive conflict prevention, focusing on economic inclusion and political representation. Climate change exacerbates resource conflicts, particularly in the Southwest Region, where cocoa and oil revenues are contested.

Women and youth in Anglophone Cameroon have been at the forefront of peacebuilding, yet their roles are erased in favour of male-dominated separatist and state narratives. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, many of whom are women and children, face systemic neglect, with humanitarian aid often controlled by elites. The Anglophone diaspora, particularly in the US and UK, has mobilised resources for separatist groups but is excluded from formal peace processes. Local journalists and activists documenting abuses are frequently targeted, silencing alternative narratives.