Africa’s Forgotten War: How the World Moved on From Cameroon Killings
We were able to reach Martha through a cleric in the region who often provides safe shelter for the women and children who have survived violence. But the region is not often accessible to journalists, and even clerics themselves have occasionally met their end here. In November 2018, Kenyan priest Comas Ondari was killed while he preached in the South-West region.
One tally by rights lobby Human Rights Watch indicated that by the end of 2022, at least 4,000 civilians had been killed by both government forces and armed separatist fighters since late 2016 in the North-West and South-West regions, all while separatists seek independence for the country’s minority Anglophone regions. The fighting has since displaced more than 712,000 people and rendered social services like education and public health inaccessible. Additionally, the separatists have banned formal education and often attack education centers. Some estimates suggest that the death toll could be as high as 6,000.
The crisis in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions, which has largely been overshadowed by other global events, continues to devastate communities and claim lives. Despite the magnitude of the violence and the immense suffering inflicted upon the population, the conflict has largely slipped under the radar of international attention.
When asked about the ordeal she endured, Martha, a survivor of the violence, shared her harrowing experiences: We lived in constant fear, never knowing if we would survive the day, if our children would still be with us tomorrow. It’s a nightmare we can’t seem to wake up from.
Martha’s story is just one among thousands, as the conflict rages on and innocent lives are caught in the crossfire. As a leading worldwide news agency, it is our responsibility to shed light on this forgotten war and ensure that the voices of the victims are heard.
The Anglophone regions of Cameroon have long felt marginalized and neglected by the predominantly Francophone government. In late 2016, protests against limited representation and inadequate allocation of resources sparked a brutal crackdown by government forces. This heavy-handed response only served to escalate tensions, as armed separatist groups emerged, vying for independence for the Anglophone regions.
The humanitarian crisis resulting from this conflict is staggering. Over 712,000 people have been displaced from their homes, with entire villages reduced to ashes. Major social services, including education and public health, have been paralyzed, leaving communities in a state of vulnerability and despair.
Education, in particular, has been a primary target. Separatist groups, aiming to assert control over these regions, have banned formal education and launched attacks on schools and teachers. This deliberate assault on learning not only denies children their fundamental right to education but also perpetuates a cycle of instability and ignorance.
While international bodies and governments have shown limited engagement, local communities have resorted to self-reliance, seeking shelter with clerics and enduring unimaginable hardships. Martha’s connection with a cleric allowed her to find temporary respite, but others remain trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of violence and displacement.
The urgency to address this forgotten war is more pressing than ever. Lives continue to be lost, livelihoods destroyed, and communities shattered. It is essential for the international community to recognize the gravity of the crisis in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions and work towards a sustainable solution that upholds human rights and ensures lasting peace.
As our global audience, we urge you to reflect on this overlooked conflict and join us in solidarity with the people of Cameroon. By amplifying their voices and demanding international engagement, we can strive to end this forgotten war and pave the way for a brighter future for all.
