Anglophone Conflict: A Coalition of Cameroon Federalists and Activists Created

Groups and Activists, with a Federalist conviction to end the Anglophone armed conflict, have created a platform called, Coalition of Cameroon Federalist Groups & Activists. The official launch took place online with a litany of frontline Federalists taking part.

The common platform is aimed at restoring Federalism that was wiped out in Cameroon on May 20, 1972, under President Ahidjo.

“This is a historic moment for Cameroonians everywhere. Here and now, at this virtual gathering, we embark on the journey that will end with the re-establishment of Federalism as the system of government. A system was chosen freely and peacefully by the Cameroonian people for the conduct of the public affairs of their nation. This is a moment of great expectation. A time of sublime optimism.” A former United Nations Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Simon Munzu said.

The Federalist group agreed that the war in the Anglophone regions has a devastating effect on the population and that it was time to end it. This can only be done through negotiation, Dr. Munzu said.

“Through a negotiated peace settlement in which dialogue prevails over violence, the force of argument triumphs over the argument of force.!

The Federalists have said, that the dialogue shall not be about separation, neither will special status nor decentralization.

“By contrast, a negotiated settlement is sure to result in the adoption of Federalism. By nature, Federalism is the highest level of decentralized governance. It is the point at which tolerance, mutual respect, fair play, solidarity, and cohesion in our society meet. Federalism offers the best prospect of instituting in Cameroon a form of democratic governance suitable for overcoming our nation’s governance, institutional, socio-political, and economic development challenges.” Dr. Munzu said in a statement.

This group believes that they have the legal framework for such an argument on the return to a federal status as was the case in 1961.

“For our ground, we have the historical and constitutional background of our country as it was formed in 1961. For our guide, we have the diversity and complexity of contemporary Cameroonian society. For our staff, we have the aspirations of citizens from the four corners of our country. And for our companion, we have the Cameroonian people.”

The federalist movement, CCFGA, has created a working group of nine to steer the affairs of the Coalition while waiting for more memberships.