The armed conflict in Cameroon began in 2016, sparked by a peaceful strike from teachers and lawyers protesting the imposition of French in the English-speaking regions. This non-violent protest was met with a harsh response from the central government in Yaoundé, leading to arrests and violence that escalated tensions. The situation worsened as separatist groups emerged, resulting in increased unrest.
According to the United Nations, many schools have closed due to frequent attacks on educational facilities. Teachers and students have faced threats, kidnappings, and even killings. Tragically, thousands of residents in Anglophone Cameroon have lost their lives, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes. As of November 2021, reports indicate that the conflict is escalating further, with atrocities committed by both government security forces and some separatist factions hindering humanitarian efforts and disrupting education.
In 2020, the UN Secretary-General designated Cameroon as a “situation of concern” due to severe violations against children during the ongoing conflict. The situation remains dire, with urgent calls for international attention and intervention to protect vulnerable populations. Read full story here