TITLE:
Intrastate Conflicts: A Critique of the Cameroon Government Responses in Stabilizing Peace in the Anglophone Region of Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Mbia Ekolok Babiem, Gregory Fah Fombo
KEYWORDS:
Anglophone Conflict, Cameroon Government Responses, Peace Stabilization
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
13,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study evaluates the Cameroon government’s responses to the Anglophone conflict, highlighting the strategies employed to stabilize peace in the regions. The study adopted a mixed-method approach, combining a cross-sectional and descriptive survey design. The findings of this study revealed that the state of Cameroon, alongside its partners, has identified and laid down mechanisms geared towards solving the Anglophone conflict. These mechanisms identified within the study include the major national dialogue, the creation of the DDR centers, and the implementation of effective decentralization, as well as the granting of special status. Other mechanisms identified are intense and organized military operations of separatist hideouts. The findings also revealed that the state has also put in place other mechanisms such as the creation of Bilingualism Commission, the releasing of prisoners, and translation of OHADA into the English Language, creation of Common Law Bench in ENAM, creation of Faculty of Laws and Political Science (FLPS in the University of Buea. Based on the findings of this study, although the government has established mechanisms to provide lasting peace to the Anglophone conflicts, these efforts have been insufficient in addressing the root causes of the conflict. The study recommends a return to federalism and genuine and inclusive dialogue, which must reflect the true representation of the local population, such as the church leaders, local or traditional leaders, civil society organizations, international organizations, Cameroonians in the diaspora and most importantly, the separatists.