This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
Cameroon opens dialogue to end Anglophone separatist crisis ¶
Cameroon's government has initiated a national dialogue to address the Anglophone separatist crisis, which has resulted in over 3,000 deaths and the displacement of half a million people since 2017.
The talks, led by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, are scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 4 at the Congressional palace in Yaoundé, the capital city.
However, key rebel leaders have already refused to participate, citing concerns over the lack of a neutral facilitator and the failure to address the core issues of the crisis.
President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 37 years, hopes the talks will bring an end to the crisis, which is also affecting the country's economy.
English-speakers account for about a fifth of Cameroon's population of 24 million, who are majority French-speaking. The Anglophone minority has long complained of discrimination and marginalisation.
Despite the government's efforts to engage with the separatist movement, many activists have been arrested and experts have expressed scepticism that the talks will yield tangible results.
International Crisis Group has estimated that around 3,000 people have been killed by separatist violence and the military crackdown.
"It thus risks further frustrating Anglophones widening the gulf between the two sides and empowering hardliners," the group said.
"The government should make greater space for Anglophones, particularly federalists who are willing to attend. It should also seek a neutral facilitator."
"The government should make greater space for Anglophones, particularly federalists who are willing to attend. It should also seek a neutral facilitator." — International Crisis Group
