Curfews in Manyu: Escalating Insecurity in Cameroon’s Anglophone Crisis

The Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, now in its seventh year, has reached a point where even everyday freedoms are being curtailed in an effort to control the escalating violence and insecurity.

The recent decision by Yves Bertrand Awounfac Alienou, the Prefect (SDO) of the Manyu department, to impose an 8 p.m. curfew on bars, snack bars, and nightclubs highlights how far-reaching the effects of this conflict have become. His rationale is "security requirements, preservation of peace, and maintenance of public order," but it is yet another indication of the deepening instability in the North-West and South-West regions.

This crisis, which began in 2016 as a peaceful protest by teachers and lawyers against the marginalization of Anglophone regions, has mutated into an intractable conflict between separatist groups and the Cameroonian government. What started as a call for linguistic and cultural equality has become one of the most complex armed conflicts in recent African history, leading to thousands of deaths, massive displacement, and the erosion of basic freedoms.

The Roots of Marginalization: A Post-Colonial Legacy

To understand the current situation, it is essential to look back at the post-colonial roots of the conflict. When Cameroon was reunited in 1961, following independence from both British and French colonial powers, the merger of the English-speaking regions with the majority French-speaking country set the stage for future tensions. These tensions, deeply rooted in linguistic and cultural differences, have festered over the decades, compounded by a widespread perception that the Anglophone regions have been politically and economically marginalized.

The "francization" of judicial and educational systems, which led to the 2016 protests, was seen as the final straw for many in these regions. It embodied a much larger issue: the feeling of second-class citizenship experienced by many Anglophones within a predominantly Francophone government structure. The failure of early negotiations and a dismissive attitude from the government allowed these protests to morph into the violent secessionist conflict we see today.

A Humanitarian and Economic Catastrophe

The human cost of the conflict is staggering. With over 6,000 lives lost, 765,000 people internally displaced, and more than 70,000 refugees seeking shelter in Nigeria, the impact on the population has been catastrophic. The disruption of basic services like education and healthcare, compounded by the overall insecurity, has left these regions in a state of prolonged crisis.

Schools remain closed in many areas, leaving an entire generation of children without access to education. This presents a long-term challenge for the country's future, as the loss of educational opportunities will likely deepen inequality and sow the seeds for future unrest. Healthcare services are also deteriorating, with hospitals struggling to operate in a conflict zone. The threat of kidnappings, violence, and the destruction of infrastructure further exacerbates the humanitarian situation.

The economic fallout is equally dire. The North-West and South-West regions, once vibrant with trade and agricultural production, are now grappling with stagnation. Key sectors such as farming and commerce have been heavily disrupted, leading to increased poverty and desperation among the local population. Many farmers, unable to access markets or work their lands safely, have been left without livelihoods.

The Impact of Curfews and Restrictions

The imposition of curfews, such as the one in Manyu, is a direct response to the growing insecurity in these regions. While authorities frame such measures as necessary for maintaining peace, they further suffocate a population already struggling under the weight of conflict. Restrictions on movement and commerce only deepen the economic struggles, isolating communities and limiting their ability to engage in normal life.

There is no doubt that law enforcement is faced with an immensely difficult task: balancing security concerns with the need to protect civil liberties. However, blanket restrictions like the closure of nightlife establishments contribute to a sense of perpetual lockdown, which can breed resentment and fuel further unrest. In a conflict as protracted as this one, such restrictions can inadvertently strengthen the separatist narrative, reinforcing the perception that the government is more focused on control than on addressing the root causes of the conflict.

The Path Forward: Dialogue, Inclusivity, and International Support

The Anglophone crisis has reached a point where military solutions alone will not suffice. The roots of this conflict are political, and they demand a political solution. The government must move beyond temporary measures and restrictions, and engage in meaningful, inclusive dialogue with representatives of the Anglophone community. Local voices, especially those of community leaders, civil society organizations, and moderate Anglophone politicians, must be given space to present their grievances and propose solutions.

Furthermore, the international community must step up its role in mediating this conflict. So far, global attention to the crisis has been limited, but the scale of the humanitarian crisis and the long-term instability it could cause in the region demand greater intervention. Organizations like the African Union and the United Nations must work more actively with both the Cameroonian government and separatist leaders to find a peaceful solution.

Conclusion

Seven years into the Anglophone crisis, Cameroon is at a crossroads. The government's reliance on security measures, like the curfews in Manyu, may provide temporary relief, but they do not address the underlying grievances driving the conflict. For Cameroon to move towards peace, it must engage in honest, inclusive dialogue, supported by regional and international actors. Only by addressing the root causes of the conflict can the nation hope to heal the wounds that have left it so deeply divided.