Dr Christopher Fomunyoh has warned that failing to seek lasting solutions the Anglophone conflict could worsen the situation in the years to come.
The Senior Associate for Africa and Regional Director at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, (NDI) who has often cited the need for a neutral third party in resolving the armed conflict in Cameroon’s North West and South West regions made the remark recently on a radio show — as he addressed military challenges in Africa’s democratic process.
“The best way to solve a crisis where people already have already taken up arms is to find a neutral spot, an accepted mediator who can bring all the parties around the table,” The Guardian Post quoted him as saying.
“If we do not do that,” Dr Fomunyoh went on, “we may think that we have patched one conflict but we should be preparing ourselves for the next conflict because people will not forget what happened to them.”
To him, the warring parties in the presence of a neutral force, would be able to “sort out grievances on which ones can be resolved and which cannot and how to implement them.”
Dr Fomunyoh has constantly urged government and Separatists to resolve their differences with the use of a neutral third party.
Among the most recurrent of suggestions, is the Swiss-led mediation, announced over two years ago, which is still to bear fruits.
This, some opine, would enable both parties better express their desires and reach a deal, “owing to the neutral nature of Switzerland in the armed conflict, as well as its territory serving as neutral ground where no party would be under any duress,” he concludes.
The armed conflict in the English-speaking Regions of Cameroon which escalated in 2016 morphed into a full-blown one year after — and has left thousands dead and over one million others displaced within and out of the country, according to the United Nations.
Mimi Mefo Info
Anglophone crisis would re-emerge if not properly resolved now – Dr Christopher Fomunyoh
