Cameroon

What the Conflict is Really About

The Anglophone crisis is about a minority community demanding recognition and autonomy, and a state unwilling to concede power, fueled by historical grievances and control over resources.

It began as peaceful protests by teachers and lawyers in 2016, who objected to the dominance of French-language systems in schools and courts.

Colonial Legacy: Cameroon was divided between British and French rule. After independence, English-speaking regions were promised autonomy but gradually sidelined by a centralized Francophone state.

Marginalisation: Anglophones make up 20% of the population but feel excluded from political power, economic development, and cultural recognition.

Escalation: Peaceful protests turned violent after government crackdowns, with separatist groups declaring the independent state of “Ambazonia” in 2017.

Militarisation: The government deployed the military; separatist groups armed themselves. Civilians became the primary victims of killings, kidnappings, and village burnings.

Humanitarian Fallout: Millions in need of aid, widespread displacement, and entire generations of children missing education.

Oil & Resources (Less Visible Driver): The Anglophone regions are resource-rich (oil offshore, timber, agriculture). Some analysts argue the central government’s reluctance to allow autonomy is tied to control over these assets.