Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya calls for the Cameroonian government to engage in direct talks with separatist fighters from the English-speaking regions to foster sustainable peace. He emphasizes the need for trust and genuine communication while recognizing the progress from the Major National Dialogue. Experts warn that failing to address root causes of the conflict may lead to future unrest, underscoring the necessity of comprehensive dialogue to secure tranquility in the nation.
The Archbishop of Bamenda, Andrew Nkea Fuanya, urges the Cameroonian government to engage in direct negotiations with separatist fighters from the country’s English-speaking regions to achieve lasting peace. He voiced this sentiment during a meeting in Yaoundé, where government officials assessed the progress of the resolutions from the Major National Dialogue held in October 2019.
During his remarks, Archbishop Nkea highlighted that separatists perceive the government’s commitment to resolving their grievances as insincere. He pointed out concerns that, despite numerous public declarations, substantial actions have not been realized. The escalating crisis initiated in 2016, sparked by protests from lawyers and teachers regarding marginalization, has evolved into a conflict for independence sought by armed groups in the northwest and southwest.
The ongoing conflict has led to over 6,000 fatalities, more than one million displacements, and extensive property damage. The historical context reveals a deep-seated tension between the predominantly French-speaking government and the English-speaking regions, which have long expressed grievances regarding their treatment and rights.
President Paul Biya acknowledged the failure of the government’s assimilation policy during the Second Paris Peace Summit in 2019, emphasizing that the differences in identity contributed to this failure. This acknowledgment underscores the complexities surrounding the conflict’s origins.
The Major National Dialogue introduced several recommendations to address the crisis, including special status for Anglophone regions, restoration of traditional governance, and initiatives for community development and deradicalization. Although Archbishop Nkea recognized progress in their execution, he emphasized the necessity for government engagement with separatist leaders directly. He expressed concerns that without such engagement, mutual distrust would persist.
Furthermore, Nkea observed that there exists a cautious willingness among some separatist fighters to participate in follow-up discussions, which reflects a potential opening for dialogue. He condemned the reliance on force, emphasizing that previous wars concluded through negotiation and voiced the readiness of the church to facilitate a peaceful dialogue.
Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute acknowledged the contributions of religious leaders and outlined governmental strides in implementing aspects of the Major National Dialogue. He reported significant advancements in the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration program, with over 3,500 former combatants disarmed and being rehabilitated.
While progress is noted, experts caution that unless the root causes of the conflict, such as inequality and oppression, are addressed, the nation risks entering a state of “negative peace.” This term describes a scenario void of overt violence but rife with unresolved issues that could lead to future conflicts.
Overall, both religious leaders and government officials recognize the pressing need for sincere engagement to foster understanding, build trust, and ultimately pave the way for a more stable and harmonious Cameroon.
In summary, Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya’s appeal for direct negotiations with separatist fighters highlights the importance of genuine communication and trust-building in resolving the ongoing conflict in Cameroon. Despite governmental progress in addressing some issues, addressing the root causes of discontent is paramount to avoiding a prolonged cycle of violence. The dialogue process must engage all stakeholders actively to foster lasting stability and peace in the affected regions.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
