Cameroon's Anglophone Crisis: CHRDA's Human Rights Report Calls for Urgent Action

After seven years of conflict, the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon continues to wreak havoc on the regions of the Far North, Northwest, and Southwest.

The Cameroonian Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA) recently convened a press conference, coinciding with the launch of their 2023 Human Rights Report, which paints a stark picture of the crisis's toll on the region.

The year 2023, according to the CHRDA, was marked by insecurity, economic instability, and violence, with both state actors and non-state armed groups culpable for egregious violations and abuses of human rights. Fundamental rights such as the right to life, freedom of movement, education, and protection against arbitrary arrest, detention, torture, and gender-based violence have been systematically violated, as detailed in the report.

In response to these grave findings, the CHRDA proposed a series of recommendations aimed at various stakeholders. These recommendations span from urging greater transparency in investigations into alleged human rights violations by state agents, particularly the military and security forces, to calling for a cessation of attacks on journalists and human rights defenders by both state and non-state actors.

Moreover, the CHRDA implored the international community to exert pressure on Cameroon to uphold its obligations regarding human rights and humanitarian law. In the Far North region, civil-military cooperation was emphasized as crucial for promoting stability and addressing the root causes of the conflict.

In an interview with MMI, Me Agbor Nkongbo, president of the CHRDA, reiterated the organization's dedication to safeguarding human rights. He underscored the vital role of citizen engagement in crisis management, emphasizing that citizens must actively participate in efforts to improve the situation and prevent further human rights violations. Nkongbo acknowledged that while human rights violations occur even in developed countries, concerted efforts must be made in Cameroon to significantly reduce such violations and ensure the safety and well-being of all civilians.

The CHRDA's recommendations and Nkongbo's statements serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address the Anglophone crisis. With the lives and livelihoods of millions at stake, it is imperative for all stakeholders to heed these calls to action and work towards lasting peace, stability, and respect for human rights in Cameroon.