CAMEROON
Anglophone/Southern Cameroons/Ambazonia Conflict
We believe the armed conflict in the English-speaking portion of Cameroon will not be won militarily and that there must instead be a negotiated solution which should be crafted by the parties themselves, including civil society. We will support any inclusive negotiation process that advances good governance, human rights, and equitable, sustainable development.
ADVISING ARMED ACTORS IN PREPARING FOR NEGOTIATION
We are building relationships with those fighting for an independent state of "Ambazonia" as well as with Cameroon government officials and are also connecting them with negotiators from other peace processes such as Northern Ireland. These relationships allow us to offer suggestions on preparing for productive peace talks.
ENGAGING CIVIL SOCIETY AND TRADITIONAL RULERS
In the armed conflict between government security forces and independence fighters, civilians have often been caught in the middle. We seek to engage with both English-speaking and French-speaking civil society actors in Cameroon to ensure they have a meaningful voice in the process of finding a peaceful resolution. We also have ready access to Fons and chiefs, who continue to play an important role in society.
Our current focus is on getting parties to the table in the ongoing conflict in the English-speaking part of Cameroon, known as the North West and South West Regions or as Southern Cameroons (the name during British rule and at the start of independence).
CULTIVATING A SUPPORTIVE INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Even in a purely internal conflict, the international environment is key: do foreign powers take opposing sides in the conflict, thereby escalating it, or do they unite in favor of a peaceful settlement? Will they invest enough energy to help see a peace process through? We are building contacts in African and Western governments to promote coherent support for peacemaking.