Cameroon: The Devastating Impact of Using Education as a Weapon of War

Since 2017, Cameroon’s civil war has weaponized education, hindering access for thousands of students. Both government and separatist factions have contributed to this crisis, resulting in severe emotional and psychological impacts. Educational initiatives and global support are essential to restore opportunities for the affected youth.

Cameroon has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2017, marked by the calculated weaponization of education. As a result, thousands of lives have been lost, and hundreds of thousands of students are denied their right to education. Ultimately, both parties involved must reassess their actions, as the use of education as a tool of war yields no true victors.

The anglophone crisis in Cameroon ignited in October 2016 with protests led by lawyers from the Northwest and Southwest regions. They protested against the appointment of francophone magistrates, arguing that their lack of English comprehension would result in unfair trials. Teachers soon joined these protests, criticizing the assignment of French-speaking educators to English-speaking areas, where they lacked understanding of the local educational system.

Instead of addressing the grievances of protesters, the government responded with violence, leading to numerous deaths according to reports from the International Crisis Group. This heavy-handed approach triggered an influx of English speakers, including university students, who supported the protests against their marginalization. The brutal response from the government gave rise to separatist movements seeking independence for the English-speaking regions known as Ambazonia.

Statistical reports from the United Nations reveal that over 700,000 students have faced educational disruptions since the conflict began. The aspirations of a younger generation have been jeopardized as both warring factions contribute to this crisis. Separatist groups have enforced school boycotts, while government forces have failed to ensure school safety, fostering an environment of fear.

Children in these conflict-ridden areas are left to navigate perilous choices; attending school exposes them to retaliation from separatists, while remaining at home threatens their future opportunities. A study indicated that merely 10% of schools were functional during the 2018/2019 academic year, as violence drove most educators away. By early 2025, some areas reopened, yet separatist violence continues to hinder access to education for many.

With no educational options available, a dire situation has emerged, where children face child labor, recruitment into armed factions, or gender-based violence. The psychological scars inflicted by this conflict will endure across generations. Personally, the violence has touched my life; I lost my father, who championed education against adversity, to this tragic conflict.

In memory of my father, I helped establish the Jumbam Family Foundation, which provides scholarships that facilitate the education of students affected by the crisis. Sadly, many students had to be relocated for safety, and while they achieve success, the emotional strain persists. Community initiatives exist, but these efforts alone reach only a fraction of those impacted.

Government and separatist factions must recognize that the exploitation of education leads to failure for both sides. Sacrificing the future of children undermines any legitimate quest for justice. To resolve these educational crises, clear measures are needed: Commit to designating schools as safe zones, invest in repairing damaged infrastructure, recruit and train qualified teachers, and ensure trauma-informed support services are available post-conflict.

The global community must acknowledge this educational disruption in Cameroon as a humanitarian crisis. Organizations like the African Union and UNICEF should enhance support and facilitate essential initiatives. Additionally, regional nations could extend technical help, while grassroots organizations should be encouraged to expand educational programs in affected areas.

The repercussions of this war will not only be measured in lives lost but also in the dreams delayed and potential unrealized. It is paramount that no further generations are sacrificed due to political strife. All parties must recognize the pervasive suffering caused when education becomes a casualty of conflict.

In summary, the civil strife in Cameroon has resulted in a humanitarian crisis that jeopardizes the education of countless children. Both government and separatist groups share the responsibility for this tragic reality. To ensure a more positive future, concerted efforts must be made to protect educational institutions and create support systems that prioritize the well-being of affected communities.

Original Source: allafrica.com