Why has the world overlooked the brutal civil war in Cameroon? For nearly a decade, a violent conflict has raged between English-speaking separatists and the French-speaking central government, leaving over 6,000 dead and displacing more than half a million people. Despite its devastating impact, the war has received little international media attention or political intervention. Unlike conflicts in Ukraine or the Middle East, Cameroon’s crisis lacks global strategic interest, making it largely ignored by major powers and Western news outlets. But why has this war been forgotten? And could a peaceful resolution be possible with more awareness and international pressure?
In this video, we explore the deep historical roots of the Anglophone Crisis, from colonial divisions under British and French rule to the modern struggle for autonomy. We also examine the role of geopolitical interests, media bias, and government suppression in keeping this war out of the global spotlight. With atrocities committed on both sides and millions in urgent need of humanitarian aid, this is one of Africa’s deadliest ongoing conflicts. Yet, it remains hidden from the world. Could more awareness bring about change? Watch now to understand why this crisis matters.
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*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:46 Ignored Conflicts and Cameroon’s Anglophone Crisis
02:03 Cameroon: Location and Population
02:58 A Short History of Cameroon
04:03 The British Cameroons
06:02 The End of the Federation
07:03 Calls for a Return to Federalism
08:05 Ambazonia and the Indepndence Campaign
12:06 Why is Cameroon’s Anglophone Crisis Ignored?
00:00 Introduction and Titles
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#Cameroon #Ambazonia #Conflict
22 Comments
With all the attention being given to Trump, it’s easy to forget that many issues around the world aren’t getting anything like the attention they deserve. So, this week, I am looking at one of the most significant yet neglected conflicts in Africa: the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon. So, what’s the answer? Is independence the way forward? Or is federalism still a good option? And could international attention and pressure unlock it? Or will it take a major political change, such as the emergence of a new Cameroon leader? Let me know your thoughts and comments below.
I remember hearing of this first in a CaspianReport video maybe 6 years ago now. Then never ever hearing about it. Wondering if its even a thing. Like a fleeting thought in the back of my mind. Not sure if it is real or not.
I was actually wondering about this conflict recently, like always your analysis are so helpful in understanding the hisotry and context of these conflicts
I only learned about it during studying French as a third language,
The Anglo French language differences are not at the core of the problem. The core of the problem is that there are different and competing tribes. Colonial lines on maps were drawn with little regard for tribal differences.
These are the different ethnic groups:
Bamileke-Bamu 24.3%, Beti/Bassa, Mbam 21.6%, Biu-Mandara 14.6%, Arab-Choa/Hausa/Kanuri 11%, Adamawa-Ubangi, 9.8%, Grassfields 7.7%, Kako, Meka/Pygmy 3.3%, Cotier/Ngoe/Oroko 2.7%
It is not up to the international community to solve Cameroon's problems. Empires could fix this issue but no one else. Unless you are ready to overthrow the govt. of Cameroon and install yourself King the outside world cannot and should not intervene.
For Europeans
Conflict in Africa: Europe couldn't care less
Conflict in Europe: world problem
Reality
Conflict in Africa: Africans' problem
Conflict in Europe: Europeans' problem
Thank you for shading light and calling for attention to the suffering people of the Cameroons prof James . The lack of global attention to this conflict can be solely attributed to the efforts of French lobbyists and France 🇫🇷 influence in the UN . The French are the ones creating disunity in the Cameroons and killing Cameroonians through their octogenarian puppet Paul Biya .
I believe that this conflict has been covered before on this channel. If so, between that video and this, I've heard of this conflict exactly twice. It's shocking to consider how many who may not even be aware of a near-decade long war.
South Cameroon screwed themselves up when they voted to be a minority in Cameroon.
3:36 why did it blank out this word? What was the worr
I have to admit that I don't think I've heard of this conflict before. Btw, is the lack of attention a good or a bad thing? In this video it seems to be presented as a bad thing but I think there are examples in history where the interest or even intervention in a local conflict by great powers have made things much worse.
I can't even remember when I last heard about this. Had completely forgotten about it. I would bet it will remain in the, expanding, pile of conflicts. Which get no attention, and will just keep simmering on locally.
I commend the balanced analysis of the Angliphone Crises in Cameroon.
The Crises began as the "Anglophone Problem" that arose following the dissolution of Cameroon Federation of two states: West Cameroon/ Cameroun Occidental (English-speaking) and East Cameroon/ Cameroun Orrientale in 1972.
The results of the 20th May 1972 Referendum in the Federal Republic of Cameroon, was perceived by the West Cameroon (former British Southern Cameroons) Political elites as a process that shattered the concensus of one people with two distinct political, legal, educational and governance identities. The unitary state that emerged from the ashes of the Cameroon Federation had an the ultimate goal of assimilating Anglophone institutions and identity, resulting in one system based on a French model of law, education and governance within 50 years, this was admitted by President Paul Biya during an interview with the Mo Ibrahim, (the Sudanese Philanthropist and advocate for good governance across Africa).
The problem with assimilation strategy of the Cameroon Government, is not having the full consent of Anglophone Cameroon community it wanted to assimilate. The Anglophone regions pushed back and requested peacefully to negotiate a change to the form of State governance, with the Cameroon Government. The Anglophone regions were seeking greater political autonomy of their affairs such as the law, education and governance was at the heart of the Anglophone Problem.
From 2016, Ambazonia has been a path selected by some Anglophone political entities in response to the Cameroon Governement's unwillingness to discuss constitional changes and its forcible clamp down on political dissent.
“International pressure” is called “imperialism “ or “western colonialism” or just plain “internal meddling” by the third world. I for one will vote that my country and $$ stay out of it.
Excellent content to have on the podcast. The legacy of the Berlin Conference in the 19th Century in Africa today is profoundly eye opening, and we can assess the artificial boundaries drawn by European powers to create a peace buffer between themselves 150 years ago, today is deeply disappointing. It seems the deeply fractious nature of politics in Africa is the legacy of poor policy as well as the cultural construct of social orgnization around tribalism is the source of difficulties today, sub-groups maneuvering for political power in artificial political boundries. Keep up the excellent work.
Thank you for sharing these out.Am from the English speaking side of Cameroon the conflict is horrible.
Same can be said with the Cabinda war of independence
Thanks for this !
Atleast Southern Cameroonians have themselves to blame. French Cameroon never forced them to form a country with them. You have to live with the consequences of your decisions.
Thank you for highlighting this James. As a bit of a map nerd I know of 🇨🇲 Cameroon but knew little about it. We should always care about our fellow humans. Even when there is nothing we can do to help practically.
Moreover there are lessons for all.
Thanks for the effort, profesor