Cameroon on the Brink: Lessons from Rwanda

Cameroon is currently facing significant internal conflict, with the Boko Haram insurgency in the North and the Anglophone crisis in the English-speaking regions. The International Crisis Group has highlighted Cameroon in its Watch list 2018, noting the severe impacts of these conflicts, including thousands of deaths, displacements, and economic damage. The Anglophone crisis has escalated from peaceful protests to a violent struggle for independence, with little hope for a resolution without dialogue. The government refuses to negotiate with secessionists, increasing fears of a potential civil war. Comparisons are being made to the Rwandan genocide, with calls for Cameroon to learn from Rwanda's past and seek peaceful solutions. The role of media and social media is emphasized as crucial in shaping the outcome of the crisis.

“I’ve not gone to school again”: The student victims of Cameroon’s crisis

The article discusses the severe impact of the Anglophone crisis on education in Cameroon's North West and South West regions. Due to the conflict, separatist fighters have enforced a 'no school' campaign, threatening and attacking those who attempt to attend school. The crisis began in 2016 with protests against perceived marginalisation by Anglophone activists, which escalated into demands for secession and an armed insurgency. Human rights abuses have been committed by both the Cameroonian army and rebel fighters. Despite calls from advocacy groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for the protection of education, the situation remains dire. Some parents have resorted to transferring their children to French-speaking regions or finding covert ways to continue their education. The article highlights the long-term consequences of the educational disruption, including increased illiteracy and potential future societal conflicts.

William Elong is on a mission to promote his country and Africa as a place where IT and new tech can flourish. “We have the talents and we are doing it,” he says.

The fight for press freedom in Africa has for some time now been focused on Cameroon as crackdown on journalists

Cameroon has an excellent investment potential -PAID-WA Director

Uwem Essia, the Regional Director of PAID-WA, highlighted Cameroon's investment potential during a speech at the University of Buea. Celebrating 50 years of reunification, Cameroon boasts a vision for 2035, rich resources, a stable economy, and a growing middle class. Essia praised Cameroon's minimal conflicts, long-term regime stability, and tax compliance culture as factors that could transform it into an African superpower. However, he also pointed out challenges such as a weak private sector, income disparity, slow infrastructure development, and high unemployment rates. He suggested that with proper exploitation of its potentials and development initiatives, Cameroon could avoid becoming a highly indebted poor country. The African Development Bank also noted that Cameroon's growth is hindered by various economic challenges.