Crisis Group advocates peace talks between Cameroon govt, militias

A transnational non-profit, non-governmental organisation, Crisis Group has advocated for talks between the government and the separatists that might yield a political solution to the raging conflict as the AFCON kicks off today.  Anglophone militias have announced plans to disrupt the Africa Cup of Nations, hoping to showcase their grievances against the government who have […]

A transnational non-profit, non-governmental organisation, Crisis Group has advocated for talks between the government and the separatists that might yield a political solution to the raging conflict as the AFCON kicks off today. 

Anglophone militias have announced plans to disrupt the Africa Cup of Nations, hoping to showcase their grievances against the government who have responded with severe restrictions in the Anglophone North West and South West.

“Separatist attacks during the month-long tournament may diminish the sympathy that Anglophone Cameroonians enjoy in Africa and elsewhere,” the statement read.

In January 2021, during another football tournament, the African Nations Championship, militias detonated an explosive device in Limbe, wounding three policemen.

On 21 December, as President Biya met in the capital Yaoundé with Patrick Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football, separatist fighters attacked a police checkpoint in Kumba, in the South West, reportedly killing one officer.

The group expressed its hopes that the tournament may bring some level of peace in the region. 

“Despite the challenges, the tournament is a propitious moment to seek a football truce, under which the parties would pledge to cease hostilities for at least the duration of the Cup and possibly even create the foundation for a new peacemaking effort,” the statement said.