CRITICAL EVALUATION ON THE IMAPCT OF INSURGENCY ON NATIONAL SECURITY: A CASE STUDY OF CAMEROON’S SEPARATIST CONFLICT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The proliferation of insurgent groups throughout the continent has resulted in the destabilization of governments, hindered development efforts, and caused significant suffering among civilian populations. According to Abdul (2019), insurgency has been a persistent challenge in several African countries, where non-state actors use asymmetric warfare tactics to challenge the authority of the state. It is evident from the insurgencies in Iraq and Afghanistan that states take advantage of internal conflicts in other nations to advance their foreign policy goals on a global scale. Iran strategically utilized internal conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan to curtail the US military's operational flexibility in targeting Iran, in response to the remarks made in George Bush's 'axis of evil' speech (Rahimi 2022). States such as the US, which primarily prioritize conventional warfare, are seeking to develop irregular capabilities to address both state and non-state adversaries in irregular warfare. In terms of regional dynamics, African countries primarily face irregular intrastate conflicts, as highlighted by Williams (2019). Wars pose a significant security threat, necessitating the development of effective irregular warfare capabilities.

The insurgency in Cameroon, specifically involving separatist groups, has posed a considerable obstacle to the country's stability and security in recent years.  According to Guzansky in 2021, the Ambazonia movement is a notable separatist movement that aims to achieve independence for the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. They claim to have experienced marginalization and discrimination under the Francophone-dominated government.

The Ambazonia insurgency's origins can be traced back to grievances stemming from Cameroon's colonial history and post-independence governance. The Anglophone minority in the country, primarily residing in the Northwest and Southwest regions, has consistently voiced grievances regarding their economic, political, and cultural marginalization by the Francophone majority. The grievances led to protests and demands for secession after the government's 2016 decision to introduce French-speaking judges and teachers in Anglophone courts and schools. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 6,000 individuals, with 765,000 people being displaced. Among those displaced, over 70,000 have become refugees in Nigeria. Additionally, 2.2 million individuals are in need of humanitarian support, and 600,000 children have been unable to receive proper education.

 Undoubtedly, the increase in insurgent activities in Cameroon has had a detrimental effect on the country's overall security situation. Ebo (2021) mentioned that the government's approach has led to resentment among the Anglophone population and contributed to the radicalization of separatist elements. As per Amnesty International's report in 2019, the Cameroonian government's handling of the Ambazonia insurgency has been marked by violations of human rights and the disproportionate use of force. Allegations have been made against security forces for engaging in arbitrary arrests, torture, extrajudicial killings, and the destruction of villages in Anglophone regions. These actions have resulted in civilian casualties and forced displacement.

The resolution of the crisis has been hindered by a lack of trust between the Cameroonian government and separatist leaders. Efforts by international mediators, such as the African Union and the United Nations, have faced challenges in making substantial headway in resolving the conflict. The intricacies of the situation and the parties' unwillingness to find common ground have hindered progress (International Crisis Group, 2021). As highlighted in the research by Acemoglu and Robinson (2022), the existence of insurgent groups leads to a situation known as a "state of exception," in which conventional governance mechanisms become ineffective, leading to the establishment of alternative systems of authority. Insurgents often capitalize on grievances such as corruption, marginalization, and limited economic opportunities to gain backing from marginalized communities. This exacerbates the erosion of the state's legitimacy and perpetuates recurring patterns of violence and instability. Furthermore, the repercussions of insurgency go beyond the immediate toll of casualties and displacement. This phenomenon has a detrimental impact on governance structures and diminishes public confidence in the state's capacity to ensure security and deliver essential services.

Statement of problem

The ongoing rebellion in Cameroon, namely including separatist factions such as the Ambazonia movement, highlights the difficulties of resolving long-standing grievances and promoting inclusive government in countries with varied ethnic backgrounds. The war has led to violations of human rights, humanitarian distress, and economic stagnation, underscoring the pressing requirement for a diplomatic resolution that tackles the underlying causes of the issue and guarantees the rights and ambitions of all citizens of Cameroon are upheld. 

Amnesty International (2019) states that the government's reaction to the separatist movement has the potential to cause extensive violations of human rights and the displacement of civilians. This can create a cycle of violence that weakens societal unity and stability.

 According to Human Rights Watch (2020), the insurgency has the ability to interrupt crucial services like education, healthcare, and food access. This is especially true in the Anglophone regions. These disruptions not only present immediate challenges to the well-being of affected populations, but also have long-term consequences for the country's development and ability to recover. Furthermore, a research by the International Crisis Group (2021) has disclosed that the separatist struggle in Cameroon has intensified the ethnic and linguistic tensions, hence straining the connections between the Anglophone and Francophone communities. This division not only hinders attempts to address the problem via diplomacy and negotiation but also provides a favorable environment for radical ideologies and violence to flourish. 

The reports from Amnesty International (2019), Human Rights Watch (2020), and the International Crisis Group (2021) have highlighted the potential impact of violent conflict on a country's stability. However, there is a lack of empirical research on the relationship between insurgency and national security, specifically in the case of Cameroon's separatist conflict. The failure to effectively address the underlying causes of the conflict and achieve a lasting resolution presents a significant challenge to Cameroon's national security. 

Due to Cameroon's advantageous geographical position in Central Africa, it is imperative to address the separatist issue in order to maintain security in the area. Therefore, it is necessary to do thorough and up-to-date study on this matter. Against this backdrop, the study focused critical evaluation on the impact of insurgency on national security: a case study of Cameroon’s separatist conflict.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of this study is focused on a critical evaluation on the impact of insurgency on national security: a case study of Cameroon’s separatist conflict. Specifically, the study seeks to:

Examine the extent of insurgency among Cameroon’s separatist conflict

Investigate the root causes of the insurgency among Cameroon’s separatist conflict

Ascertain the impact of insurgency on national security in Cameroon

1.4 Research Questions

What is the extent of insurgency among Cameroon’s separatist conflict?

What are root causes of the insurgency among Cameroon’s separatist conflict?

What are the impact of insurgency on national security in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho There is no significant impact of insurgency on Cameroon’s national security.

Hi: There is a significant impact of insurgency on Cameroon’s national security.

1.6 Significance of the Study

Understanding the dynamics of insurgency and its effects on national security in Cameroon can provide policymakers with crucial insights into developing more effective strategies for conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and governance. 

By identifying the root causes of the conflict and evaluating the efficacy of past approaches, policymakers can tailor interventions that address underlying grievances and promote sustainable peace. The study's findings can shed light on the humanitarian consequences of the separatist conflict, including human rights violations, civilian displacement, and disruptions to essential services. This knowledge is vital for humanitarian organizations and stakeholders involved in providing assistance and protection to affected populations, helping them prioritize resources and interventions to mitigate suffering and address urgent needs. Analyzing the conflict and its impact on national security can provide insights into regional dynamics, cross-border security threats, and opportunities for collaboration among neighboring countries and international partners in addressing shared challenges.

Empirically, the study contributes to academic scholarship by deepening understanding of insurgency dynamics, conflict resolution mechanisms, and the intersection of security, ethnicity, and governance in diverse societies. It can serve as a foundation for further research and interdisciplinary inquiry into similar conflicts and their implications for peace and security worldwide.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study borders on critical evaluation on the impact of insurgency on national security: a case study of Cameroon’s separatist conflict. The content scope of the study will provide a comprehensive overview of Cameroon's colonial history, post-independence governance, and the emergence of the Anglophone separatist movement. This includes examining historical grievances, political dynamics, and socio-economic disparities that have contributed to the current conflict. The study will examine the root causes of the insurgency, the recruitment strategies of armed groups, and the role of external actors in fueling or mitigating the conflict. He study will also address the impact of insurgency on national security: a case study of Cameroon’s separatist conflict. Geographically, the study he study should focus primarily on the Anglophone regions of Cameroon with specific reference to Southwest regions, where the separatist conflict is most pronounced.

1.8 Limitation of the Study 

Conducting field research in conflict-affected areas can be challenging due to security risks and limited access. This may restrict the researcher's ability to gather first-hand data and engage directly with affected populations, potentially leading to gaps in understanding the full extent of the conflict's impact. More so, given the polarized nature of the conflict, information provided by various stakeholders, including government sources, separatist groups, and international organizations, may be subject to bias and manipulation. Relying on such sources without critical scrutiny can compromise the reliability and objectivity of the study's findings.

While the study may provide valuable insights into the Cameroon separatist conflict, its findings may not necessarily be generalizable to other contexts or conflicts with different historical, political, and socio-economic dynamics. However, the researcher will acknowledge these limitations and adopt a critical and reflexive approach to their study, mitigating potential biases, enhancing methodological rigor, and contextualizing the findings within the broader complexities of the Cameroon separatist conflict.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Insurgency: Insurgency refers to a violent uprising or rebellion against an established authority, often seeking to challenge or overthrow the existing government or political order through armed resistance and irregular warfare tactics. In the context of Cameroon's separatist conflict, insurgency specifically denotes the activities of armed groups seeking to achieve independence or autonomy for the Anglophone regions.

National Security: National security encompasses the protection and preservation of a nation's sovereignty, territorial integrity, political stability, and well-being against internal and external threats. It involves a broad range of measures, including military, political, economic, and social strategies, aimed at safeguarding a country's interests and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.

Separatist Conflict: A separatist conflict refers to a struggle between a distinct ethnic, cultural, or regional group and the central government over demands for autonomy, self-determination, or secession arising from perceived grievances, including marginalization, discrimination, or unequal treatment, and often involve aspirations for independent statehood or greater political autonomy.

Anglophone Regions: In the context of Cameroon, the Anglophone regions refer to the Northwest and Southwest regions of the country, where English is predominantly spoken due to historical ties to British colonial rule.