Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa; a Case Study of Cameroun and the Agitation for Secession by Southern Cameroon.

Abstract

The people of la Republique du Cameroon have a unique and diverse colonial history. The British and the French, separately colonized Cameroon following the ouster of Germany during World War 1, Both Cameroons were later reunified in agreement of having a federal system in October 1961. However, their diversity is having significant effect in post-unification Cameroon. Since October 2016, The English-speaking region of Cameroun (Southern Cameroon) have been plagued by crisis between government forces and armed separatists groups. This study examines factors that present a practical basis in understanding the cause of the Southern Cameroon crisis, and to discern the rationale behind government policies and its effect on the people of Southern Cameroon. I analyzed post-colonial events in Cameroun leading to the crisis by drawing from relevant theories, including human needs theory and secession theory as it relates to the minority people of Southern Cameroon and their agitation for secession. In addition, the concept of nationalism is embraced, specifically Michael Hechter’s state-building nationalism in order to explain the nature of the nation building policies of the Francophone led government in a multi-national state such as Cameroun, and the implications of these policies. The findings of this research indicates that the nationalistic character and policies of the Francophone led central government of Cameroon, geared towards nation building and a national identity in a multinational state, over time, resulted in the marginalization of the Southern Cameroon. This, in turn, led to the resistance of assimilation and struggle for a federation, a socio political consciousness widely known as the Anglophone problem, and recognized in this research as “human need”. Subsequently, they clamored for secession and sovereignty over their region, leading to the Southern Cameroon crisis. In conclusion, this study submits that, most cases of crisis and instability in multinational states could have been avoided. Actions and policies taken by states, without proper consideration of its diversity, often result in the marginalization of minority groups that end up in revolt and the call for self-determination. For a multinational state to thrive, it is pertinent that it creates an accommodating environment and policies that promote the prosperity of its diverse population.