As Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis enters its ninth year, a youth peace and development advocate has issued an emotional open message addressed to the government in Etoudi, separatist leaders, and armed fighters, calling for dialogue, reconciliation, and an end to violence in the North-West and South-West regions.
In a message titled “Let’s Cry for Cameroon,” Jude Thaddeus Afumbom expresses deep frustration over the prolonged conflict, describing a country where displacement, fear, and trauma have become the daily reality for thousands of families.
“I am broken each day living in this country,” Afumbom writes. “I feel ashamed, helpless, disappointed, and shattered that I cannot return to my village because of civil unrest.”
Nine Years of Conflict and Growing Human Cost
The Anglophone crisis began in late 2016 with protests by lawyers and teachers and escalated into an armed conflict in 2017. Since then, thousands of civilians have been killed, entire communities destroyed, and hundreds of thousands forced into internal displacement or exile.
Afumbom says the conflict has left lasting scars on communities, including his own.
“My community has witnessed terrible violence,” he states. “Ten funerals in a single day — old people, young people, and teenagers alike. Is this what we ever wanted?”
He adds that the inability to return home has become a source of constant emotional distress.
“I cry daily because I cannot return to my home,” he says. “Fear and uncertainty control our lives.”
Message to Etoudi: Call for Responsibility and Urgent Dialogue
In his message, the youth advocate addresses Cameroon’s leadership directly, referring to state authorities as custodians of the nation’s future.
“You are our fathers, mothers, grandparents, and guardians,” he writes. “We are grateful for your long lives — a privilege many young people in Cameroon aspire to reach.”
However, he questions the impact of prolonged political continuity without peace, particularly on young people.
“You tell us we are the leaders of tomorrow, yet each passing day brings news of another young life lost,” Afumbom notes. “How many more must die before this conflict ends?”
With a new presidential mandate underway, he raises concerns about whether meaningful change will occur.
“After another term of office, will we finally see change, or are we facing another seven years of the same suffering?” he asks.
Appeal to Separatist Leaders and Armed Fighters
Afumbom also directs strong words toward separatist leaders and armed groups operating in the Anglophone regions, questioning whether the armed struggle has improved the lives of the people it claims to defend.
“Is this the life we knew before 2016? Certainly not,” he writes. “We are much worse off than we were before the crisis.”
He laments what he describes as Anglophones turning against one another in the name of independence.
“It is heartbreaking that we, once proud Anglophones, are destroying each other,” he says.
According to him, the consequences have included economic collapse, loss of education, and the erosion of social life.
“Our businesses have suffered. Our education — once our pride — has been destroyed,” Afumbom adds. “We are not meant to live like fugitives in our own homeland.”
Civilian Killings and Moral Questions
The peace advocate strongly condemns attacks on civilians, teachers, students, medical personnel, and traditional communities, saying such actions cannot be justified under any political cause.
“How has the kidnapping or killing of teachers, students, medical staff, parents, and children improved the condition of Anglophones?” he asks.
He cites tragic incidents such as the Kumba school massacre, where children were killed while in class, and the killing of 14 Mbororo civilians, describing them as painful reminders of how far the conflict has drifted from its original grievances.
“Will history remember us only for the number of lives lost?” he asks.
Ghost Towns, Extortion, and Deepening Poverty
Afumbom also criticises prolonged ghost towns and financial demands imposed on local populations, saying they have worsened poverty and desperation.
“How can people be asked to stay home for weeks and then be forced to pay millions when they have no income?” he questions.
He warns that such practices further traumatise communities already struggling to survive.
“This is not freedom,” he writes. “This is suffering.”
Lessons from Africa’s Reconciliation Paths
In his appeal, Afumbom draws comparisons with countries that emerged from violent conflict through dialogue and reconciliation.
“South Africa and Rwanda went through unimaginable crises,” he notes. “Yet they chose dialogue and unity over revenge.”
According to him, those examples demonstrate that peace is achievable when leaders prioritise national healing.
“Division weakens nations. Dialogue rebuilds them,” he adds.
Looking Toward 2026: A Call for Peace
As Cameroon looks ahead to 2026, Afumbom urges all actors — the government, separatist leaders, and armed fighters — to pause and reflect.
“Let 2026 be the year peace returns,” he writes. “If you truly care about Anglophones, abandon the harmful tactics currently being used.”
He stresses that dialogue should not take months or years to initiate when lives are being lost daily.
“Power alone cannot restore memories,” he says. “Only peace can.”
“Let Peace Reign for Anglophones”
Despite the pain expressed throughout his message, Afumbom ends with a plea grounded in hope rather than confrontation.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, he recalls: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
His final appeal is directed at the state and all conflict actors alike:
“You can stay in power, and I can vote for you,” he writes, “but please — let peace reign for Anglophones.”
As the conflict continues to reshape lives across Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, voices like Afumbom’s reflect a growing call from ordinary citizens — not for victory, but for peace, dignity, and the chance to return home.
