Leaders from three major ideological blocs—pro-independence, pro-federalist, and civil society—gathered from April 18–20, 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the Southern Cameroons Leadership Summit. The event concluded with a set of joint resolutions intended to chart a unified path toward justice and lasting peace in the former British Southern Cameroons.
/“We unanimously acknowledge that the people of Former British Southern Cameroons have been gravely wronged—through marginalization, cultural erasure, militarisation, economic exclusion, and denial of self-governance since the abrogation of the 1961 federation,” read the opening declaration of the summit’s final resolutions.
Declaration of Common Grievance
All factions agreed on what they described as a “common grievance.” The agreement therefore recognises historical and systemic injustices endured by the population of the former British Southern Cameroons.
“The differences in approach by the various caucuses do not negate our common quest for justice and dignity for our people,” the document further reads. This signals a significant shift toward internal cohesion among factions long seen as ideologically divergent.
Guiding Principles for Collaboration
The summit participants outlined key principles for ongoing collaboration. This includes mutual respect, the right to pursue justice regardless of political orientation, and a commitment to the release of prisoners of conscience.
Among the five principles affirmed was “zero tolerance for any acts that undermine civilian safety or ethical standards within our shared cause.” This further highlights growing concern over the actions of certain militant factions involved in the conflict.
“Our people’s fate is intertwined,” the resolutions assert, “and collaborative engagement is essential for achieving any meaningful outcome.”
Respect for Strategic Autonomy
The summit also acknowledged the diversity of approaches within the movement. While each caucus retains the freedom to pursue its own political strategy, all parties committed to maintaining open dialogue and seeking areas of convergence.
“All parties agree to respect each other’s strategic choices and focus on common ground,” the document noted under the section on civic participation.
Framework for Governance and Accountability
The summit resolved to develop a formal Code of Conduct and governance roadmap. A joint working group will be established to create “a framework of guiding principles that can inform a just and sustainable path forward.”
This includes the development of an inclusive platform to coordinate caucus activities and implement the summit’s resolutions.
Participants emphasised the protection of civilians as a non-negotiable principle. They further condemned crime, extortion, and the imposition of unofficial levies or coerced financial contributions in conflict-affected areas.
“We reserve the right to hold accountable—through transparent, community-sanctioned mechanisms—any individuals or groups who undermine civilian safety,” the statement affirms.
Central Role of Civil Society
Civil society leaders, represented by Rev. Godwill Ncham and Rev. Gustav Ebai, were reaffirmed as central players in the resolution process. The summit also recognised their role in promoting truth, educating communities, and holding all factions accountable.
In a key resolution, the Southern Cameroons Alliance (SCA), led by Chairperson Millan Atam and Secretary-General Dr. Rebecca Luma, was also reaffirmed as the central coordinating body to operationalise the summit’s decisions in collaboration with caucus leaders.
Calls for Dialogue and International Support
The resolutions concluded with an appeal to both the government of Cameroon and the international community. Summit participants urged Yaoundé to initiate a “sincere and transparent dialogue process, consistent with international standards. They also called on global stakeholders to back the aspirations of the people in the former British Southern Cameroons.
“We call on our people to stand united, in the quest for justice and dignity. We rise from this Summit committed to the success of the above resolutions. The path forward may differ—but the direction is one.”
Signatories and Endorsement
Meanwhile, leading members from each caucus signed the final resolutions by consensus.
- Mr. Gideon Asanji and Mr. Anthony Asong (Pro-Independence)
- Mr. Michael Egbe Takie and Mr. Peter Atemkeng (Pro-Federalism)
- Rev. Godwill Ncham and Rev. Gustav Ebai (Civil Society)
- Mr. Millan Atam and Dr. Rebecca Luma (Southern Cameroons Alliance)
The summit further marks a significant milestone in efforts to resolve one of Central Africa’s most protracted and complex conflicts.
