The Coalition of Cameroon Federalist Groups and Activists (CCFGA) has sharply criticized the United Nations for its perceived neglect of the ongoing insecurity and armed conflict in Cameroon, particularly in the English-speaking regions.
In a recent report signed by CCFGA chairperson Michael Takie, the organization expressed deep frustration with the UN’s approach to the crisis. “Concerning the ongoing conflict in former Southern Cameroons, the CCFGA expressed dismay that the United Nations, which has a record of mediating and facilitating peace settlements in more complex conflicts, has shown a lack of determination and resolution in tackling the security, political, and social conflicts in Cameroon. The CCFGA further reminded the UN Secretary-General of the international community’s moral obligation to intervene in Cameroon to ensure that the country’s political institutions are established by the federalist foundation upon which the reunification of 1961 was realized, under the auspices of the United Nations,” the report stated.
Beyond critiquing the UN, the CCFGA also urged Cameroonians to take action themselves, emphasizing the need for self-reliance in addressing the nation’s challenges. “The CCFGA continues to call on all Cameroonians to take their destiny into their hands. We need to fight for federalism together, using all the rights granted to us by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the current constitution, as imperfect as it is,” the report read.
The CCFGA disclosed that it has brought these concerns to the attention of the UN Secretary-General, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and eight other diplomats from countries and organizations that have shown interest in resolving the conflict in former Southern Cameroons. “While the CCFGA firmly believes that it is the responsibility of Cameroonians to work towards a sustainable solution to our domestic problems, this letter aligns with the recognition that the international community needs to be reminded of their responsibility for political stability in Cameroon and the Central African region,” the report added.
The CCFGA also voiced concern over the erosion of the rule of law and the state of constitutional democracy in Cameroon. They pointed out numerous issues, including the denial of their registration as an organization in Cameroon, obstacles to voter registration that result in significant under-representation of people from former Southern Cameroons in the voter rolls, and the ruling party’s interference in the internal affairs of opposition parties. These actions, the CCFGA warned, could undermine the transparency and fairness of the 2025 presidential elections.
“While we all fight together for a better Cameroon, we will continue to call the attention of the international community to the neglected conflict in former Southern Cameroons and the alarming authoritarian drift in Cameroon,” the report concluded.
