THE IMPACT OF SEPARATIST MOVEMENT ATTACK ON CAMEROON'S POLITICAL STABILITY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

National unity and consciousness, as well as the broader concept of nation-building in Africa, have been subjects of intense debate among scholars on the continent. Many attribute the root cause of these debates to the 1884/85 Berlin Conference, which led to the scramble for and partition of Africa, resulting in the distortion and erosion of traditional political structures and the creation of artificial boundaries. Consequently, post-independence African governments have faced challenges in fostering national unity and integrity, and satisfying the diverse demands of their citizens due to factors such as ethnic diversity, natural resource disparities, demographic differences, and historical pluralities. These factors have bred feelings of mistrust, acrimony, and fears of collective victimization among different political and ethnic groups, fueling various movements for self-determination across the continent.

Ebiotubo and Yonmo (2020) interchangeably use terms like separatism, autonomism, secession, and secessionism to describe attempts by groups to break away from a politically integrated body. They suggest that separatist movements stem from grievances and social discontent against dominant political and economic practices, such as exclusion and inequality. Boyle and Englebert (2006) view separatism as an act of state formation resulting from perceived discrimination and marginalization. Thus, the current political crisis in Cameroon is seen as a response to the perceived discrimination and social exclusion of the English-speaking population by the Francophone community.

In recent times, the centrifugal forces arising from Cameroon's ethnocultural diversity have reignited and intensified separatist sentiments and movements seeking self-determination from the country. These movements, notably Ambazonia separatism, have profound ripple effects on Cameroon's political development and Africa's overall stability. Scholars, such as Alo et al. (2020) and Yonmo and Ebiotubo (2020), attribute the negative fallout of Ambazonia separatism to the "mistake of 1961," referring to the unequal union of Anglophone and Francophone Cameroon, marked by perceived marginalization and suppression of the English-speaking population. More recently, Ambazonia separatism has evolved with the emergence of various social bodies strategically intensifying the movement. Following limited political liberalization by President Paul Biya in the 1980s, prominent Anglophone activists, led by Fon Gorji Dinka, established the Social Democratic Front (SDF) in 1990, sparking the creation of numerous other pressure groups advocating for Anglophone interests. Pro-Ambazonia activists have employed both violent and non-violent means, such as boycotts, civil unrest campaigns, strikes, peaceful demonstrations, and radical attacks on military personnel, to press for their cause. 

Although, the impact of separatist movement attacks on Cameroon's political stability has garnered significant attention in recent years.   Paul Biya's government has continuously denied the existence of an Anglophone crisis in Cameroon and has responded to the peaceful protests with suppression and other tactics that have negatively affected the country politically, socially, economically and culturally, and have also contributed to the continuous escalation of more tension in the state.

Statement of the problem

The separatist movement attacks within Cameroon have been a central component of the ongoing Anglophone crisis, which has significantly impacted the nation's political stability. According to Nkongho (2018), since 2016, separatist groups in the Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest Cameroon have engaged in armed conflict with government forces, resulting in a cycle of violence that has destabilized the country These attacks, often targeting security forces, government infrastructure, and symbols of state authority, have intensified the conflict and deepened divisions within Cameroonian society.

Undoubtedly, Fonjong & Yankam, (2020) argued that the separatist movement attacks are fueled by grievances related to historical marginalization, perceived political and economic exclusion, and the erosion of Anglophone identity and culture. These groups demand secession from the predominantly Francophone government in Yaoundé, seeking the establishment of an independent state called "Ambazonia." The use of violence by separatist factions reflects a belief that peaceful avenues for addressing grievances have been exhausted and that armed resistance is necessary to achieve their political objectives (Mbeki, 2019). Despite numerous studies documenting the socio-political ramifications of the conflict (Fonjong & Yankam, 2020; Mbeki, 2019; Nkongho, 2018), there exists a pressing need for a focused examination of how these attacks specifically undermine the country's political stability.

Existing research highlights the complex interplay of historical grievances, socio-economic disparities, and identity politics fueling the separatist movement (Fonjong & Yankam, 2020; Mbeki, 2019). However, there is a gap in understanding the direct impact of separatist attacks on the functioning of Cameroon's political institutions and governance frameworks. Furthermore, while studies have elucidated the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including displacement and human rights abuses (Nkongho, 2018), there is limited research addressing the specific ways in which separatist violence destabilizes Cameroon's political landscape. This study seeks to address this gap by examining how separatist movement attacks undermine key pillars of political stability in Cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The aim of this study is focused on the impact of separatist movement attack on cameroon's political stability. Specifically, the study seeks to:

To assess the extent to which separatist movement attacks in Cameroon have destabilized political institutions and governance frameworks.

To examine the socio-political consequences of separatist violence on civilian populations, including displacement, human rights violations, and access to essential services.

To analyze the effectiveness of the Cameroonian government's response to separatist movement attacks in preserving political stability while upholding human rights and the rule of law.

To propose evidence-based policy recommendations for mitigating the impact of separatist violence on Cameroon's political stability and fostering inclusive governance structures.

1.4 Research Questions

What is the extent to which separatist movement attacks in Cameroon have destabilized political institutions and governance frameworks?

What are the socio-political consequences of separatist violence on civilian populations  in Cameroon?

What strategies has the Cameroonian government employed in response to separatist movement attacks?

To what extent have these measures been successful in preserving political stability while respecting human rights and the rule of law?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant impact of separatist attack on the politcal stability of Cameroon

Hi:  There is a significant impact of separatist attack on the politcal stability of Cameroon

1.6 Significance of the study

The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute to a deeper understanding of the impact of separatist movement attacks on Cameroon's political stability and to inform evidence-based policy responses and conflict resolution strategies. By examining the specific ways in which separatist violence undermines political stability in Cameroon, the study can provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders involved in conflict resolution efforts. Understanding the dynamics of the conflict and its implications for governance structures can help policymakers develop targeted interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering sustainable peace.

For government and execusitives, By analyzing the effectiveness of the Cameroonian government's response to separatist movement attacks, the study can contribute to discussions on governance reform and democratization processes in Cameroon. Identifying gaps and challenges in the government's approach to conflict management can inform efforts to build more inclusive governance structures that accommodate diverse linguistic and cultural identities within the country.

Empirically, the study adds to the existing body of literature on the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon by providing a focused analysis of the impact of separatist violence on political stability. By generating empirical evidence and engaging with existing research, the study contributes to academic debates on conflict dynamics, state-building processes, and peacebuilding strategies in Africa and beyond.

1.7 Scope of the study

The scope of the study on  the impact of separatist movement attack on cameroon's political stability. The empirical scope of this study will encompass The empirical scope of this study will encompass an analysis of data collected from various sources, including academic literature, government reports, NGO publications, and media sources. Quantitative data, such as statistics on conflict-related casualties, displacement figures, and economic indicators, will be analyzed to assess the extent of the impact of separatist movement attacks on Cameroon's political stability. The geographical scope of the study will focus primarily on the Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest Cameroon, which have been the epicenter of separatist movement attacks and the Anglophone crisis. These regions have experienced significant levels of violence, displacement, and socio-political unrest since the escalation of the conflict in 2016. By concentrating on these areas, the study aims to provide a detailed understanding of the dynamics of the conflict and its impact on political stability within Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

One potential limitation of the study is the limited access to certain conflict-affected areas within Cameroon. Security concerns and logistical challenges may restrict the researcher's ability to conduct fieldwork and gather primary data from specific locations, potentially limiting the comprehensiveness of the study's findings. Despite efforts to maintain objectivity, there may be inherent biases in the data collection process, particularly when interviewing participants with divergent political perspectives or affiliations. Additionally, while the study focuses on the impact of separatist movement attacks on Cameroon's political stability, the findings may not be directly applicable to other conflict contexts or regions. The unique historical, cultural, and political dynamics of the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon may limit the generalizability of the study's conclusions to broader theoretical frameworks or comparative analyses.

1.9 Definition of terms

Separatist Movement: A political or social movement that seeks to achieve independence, autonomy, or secession for a specific region or group within a larger political entity. In the context of this study, separatist movements in Cameroon refer to groups advocating for the secession of the Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest Cameroon to form an independent state known as "Ambazonia."

Political Stability: Political stability refers to the sustainability and durability of a political system, characterized by the absence of widespread political unrest, violence, or instability. In the context of this study, political stability in Cameroon pertains to the ability of the government to maintain control, uphold law and order, and effectively govern the country amidst challenges posed by separatist movement attacks.

Anglophone Crisis: The Anglophone crisis in Cameroon refers to the ongoing socio-political conflict between the predominantly Francophone government and the Anglophone minority in the Northwest and Southwest regions. The crisis is rooted in historical grievances over perceived marginalization, cultural and linguistic differences, and unequal distribution of resources.