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19/10/2024
Elie Smith :
My Position on the Crisis in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon
Since the start of what is often mislabeled as the "Anglophone crisis" in Cameroon’s two majority English-speaking regions, I have consistently maintained five core positions:
This is not a linguistic war: The conflict in Cameroon is not about language. It stems from a deeper issue: the failure to respect the nation’s fundamental laws. The focus should not be on linguistic differences but on addressing the grievances surrounding governance, legal structures, and the rights of all Cameroonians.
The initial protests were driven by a legitimate purpose: The people of the North West and South West regions began protesting to express genuine concerns. They were not driven by violence or extremism but by a desire for fairness and equal treatment within the existing framework of the country.
The weaponization of the conflict was a mistake: What started as peaceful protests escalated into an armed conflict, a decision that was wrong. Violence has only worsened the suffering of innocent people, with schools shut down, livelihoods destroyed, and countless lives lost.
Unconditional dialogue is the only solution: The path to peace and stability lies in an inclusive and open dialogue that involves all actors without preconditions. This approach ensures that grievances are heard, solutions are sought, and all parties can move forward together.
A united Cameroon benefits everyone: My belief in dialogue stems from a conviction that a peaceful, unified Cameroon, where every citizen feels they belong, regardless of language or cultural background, is essential for the country’s prosperity. Separation or division is a deeply human aspiration when people feel marginalized, but the government must make every effort to address these concerns to maintain unity.
I have consistently reached out to all sides of the conflict, urging them to choose dialogue over continued violence. This does not mean I favor one side over the other. My commitment to unconditional dialogue is driven by a vision of a Cameroon where all citizens, regardless of background, can freely express themselves and realize their potential within a peaceful and stable nation.
The government's role is crucial here. It must make Cameroon attractive for all its citizens, ensuring that no individual or group feels the need to seek alternatives such as separation. If leaders fail to inspire hope and trust in the system, the desire for independence grows stronger. This is why I support dialogue as the means to rebuild trust and foster unity, not as an endorsement of any particular political position.
Many African countries have been torn apart by civil wars and conflicts, often triggered by leaders who manipulated or disregarded their constitutions. We must not follow that path. Cameroon’s foundation rests on respect for the rule of law, and any deviation from this principle risks deepening the crisis. It is not historical grievances or misguided ideologies that will determine our future, but our ability to come together as one.
Learning from Similar Conflicts
Cameroon’s situation has parallels with other regions where dialogue ultimately became the key to peace:
Northern Ireland: For decades, Northern Ireland experienced a brutal conflict between nationalist and unionist groups. It was only when the UK government and various factions agreed to enter into unconditional dialogue, resulting in the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, that peace was achieved. This model showed that even the most entrenched conflicts could be resolved when parties are committed to dialogue without preconditions.
South Africa: The apartheid regime was one of the most extreme forms of institutionalized racial oppression. However, through dialogue between the government and anti-apartheid movements, South Africa managed a peaceful transition to democracy in 1994. Nelson Mandela’s emphasis on reconciliation and dialogue over retribution was central to that process.
Rwanda: After the 1994 genocide, Rwanda found a path to recovery and peace through a commitment to reconciliation and inclusive dialogue. The Gacaca courts allowed perpetrators and victims to engage in restorative justice, fostering national healing.
In each of these cases, violence was not the solution. Dialogue and a commitment to finding common ground paved the way for lasting peace. Cameroon can draw valuable lessons from these examples.
Conclusion
My stance remains firm: Cameroon does not have a linguistic problem; it has a governance challenge. The solution lies not in violence or division but in coming together through dialogue to reaffirm our commitment to the founding principles of the nation.
We must learn from the mistakes of others and avoid the path of constitutional tampering that has plagued many African countries. Only through respect for the rule of law and a genuine commitment to dialogue can Cameroon remain a peaceful and united nation.
Copied from Elie Smith
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Gratitude to Marie Noel and Yufemo Silvie Epse Aloni
I am grateful to all of us but above all to the above mentioned sisters who hearing my plea to complete our weekly challenge on our page: Education, a right for all humans , responded immediately to make it happen. I thank all of you for your constant support. Without each one of you, I won't be where I am. I am immensely grateful for the support.
God bless us all!!!
Breaking News!!!
Tomorrow at 6pm Cameroon time, we will be organizing our First live on our beloved page: Education, a right for all humans . Theme: Community participation in Education. Let us all join and make our opinions head!!! Education, a right for all humans
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With De Lavmfu – I'm on a streak! I've made it onto their weekly engagement list 3 weeks in a row. 🎉
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