Archbishop Calls for Direct Dialogue with Cameroon Separatists to Achieve Peace
Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya advocates for direct talks between the Cameroonian government and separatists to achieve lasting peace. The ongoing conflict, rooted in historical grievances, has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements. Despite government progress in dialogue and disarmament, experts warn against the risks of “negative peace” if underlying issues remain unaddressed.
In Cameroon, Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of the Bamenda archdiocese has emphasized the necessity for the national government to engage in direct conversations with separatists from the nation’s two English-speaking regions to achieve lasting peace. This statement was made during a recent meeting in Yaoundé, where the progress of the September 29-October 4 Major National Dialogue resolutions was evaluated. Archbishop Nkea articulated that separatist groups doubt the government’s commitment to resolving the ongoing conflict.
The separatist crisis, which originated in 2016 amidst protests from lawyers and teachers against perceived marginalization, has escalated into a significant armed conflict. Over 6,000 individuals have perished, and more than a million have been displaced. The tensions between Cameroon’s French-speaking majority and its English-speaking minority stem from historical grievances surrounding identity and rights.
President Paul Biya acknowledged the failure of his government’s assimilation strategy, noting during the 2019 Paris Peace Summit that efforts to integrate the Anglophone system into the majority francophone framework were unsuccessful. The proposed solutions from the Major National Dialogue included special status for Anglophone regions and measures to enhance local governance and development.
Archbishop Nkea, a member of the dialogue resolution committee, highlighted the lack of direct engagement with core separatist fighters. He stated, “The boys feel you are merely talking among yourselves or to your friends,” indicating the need for a more genuine approach. He underscored the Church’s role in facilitating dialogue, while acknowledging their limitations in terms of state involvement.
He noted that some separatist fighters showed openness to attending follow-up meetings, suggesting a “cautious willingness to engage in the dialogue process.” Furthermore, he condemned the reliance on force to resolve the conflict, insisting all wars ultimately conclude at the negotiating table, reiterating, “The Ambazonians are ready for meaningful dialogue.”
Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute recognized the contribution of religious leaders and proclaimed advancements in implementing Major National Dialogue resolutions, including the establishment of regional councils and disarmament initiatives. He reported that about 3,500 ex-combatants have engaged in deradicalization and skill-building programs.
Despite the government’s claims of progress, experts warn about the perils of “negative peace,” where the absence of violence does not equate to the resolution of underlying societal issues. They caution that ignoring the root causes of the conflict may provoke future crises.
In summary, Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya has called for direct government engagement with separatists in Cameroon to effectively address the ongoing conflict that has led to immense suffering. The Major National Dialogue propositions aim to foster peace, yet the Archbishop’s concerns regarding insufficient government commitment highlight the challenges ahead. While the government reports progress, the emphasis on addressing fundamental societal issues is essential to prevent future confrontations and achieve genuine peace.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
