Elie Smith Insists Anglophone Crisis Governance Issue, Not Language Problem

The former coordinator of the Anglophone General Conference (AGC), Elie Smith, has reiterated that the lingering armed conflict in English Cameroon remains an issue of bad governance, not a linguistic problem.

In a writeup shared on Facebook recently, Smith stated that people have tried to make the issue sound more linguistic, which is not the case.

In his piece titled, “My Position on the Crisis in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon,” Smith stated that since the onset of what many mislabel as the ‘Anglophone crisis’ in Cameroon’s two majority English-speaking regions, he has consistently maintained five core positions.

He highlighted five core positions centred on language, weaponization, and unconditional dialogue.

To him, the crisis, which escalated into an armed conflict in 2017, is not a linguistic war because it stemmed 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,” he wrote. 

Smith said 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,” he added.

He, however, regretted that what was just a peaceful protest has been weaponized. Violence, he stated, has only worsened the suffering of innocent people, with schools shut down, livelihoods destroyed, and countless lives lost.

The Remedy to the Conflict

Amid the ongoing armed conflict, Smith believes that unconditional dialogue is the only solution.

The path to peace and stability, he said, lies in an inclusive and open dialogue that involves all actors without preconditions.

Hear him say, “This approach ensures that grievances are heard, solutions are sought, and all parties can move forward together.” 

Smith added that his belief in dialogue stems from a conviction that a peaceful, unified Cameroon, where every citizen feels belonging, regardless of language or cultural background, is essential for the country’s prosperity.

To him, 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.

Unofficial Mediator Between Fighters, PM Office

Smith began working covertly with the Prime Minister’s office to secure the surrender of separatist fighters when the AGC, under the late Cardinal Christian Tumi, collapsed. He was more of an intermediary. 

“I have consistently reached out to all sides of the conflict, urging them to choose dialogue over continued violence,” he said, adding that he favors neither side of the conflict.

He continued, “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 is what drives my commitment to unconditional dialogue.”

But in doing all these, he stated that the government’s role is crucial here and 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.”

He drew lessons from similar conflicts in other countries, including in Northern Ireland, South Africa, and Rwanda.

To him, 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,” he urged.

Elie Smith’s Stance

“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.”