CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

• Background of Study

Armed conflicts have become a prevalent issue in the world, affecting millions of people, including adolescents and teenagers. Examples of armed conflicts that have occurred in the world for the past years include, The south Sudan civil war ( 2013 till present ), Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria (2009 till present),  Syrian Civil War (2011 till present ) .The impact of armed conflict on teenagers is particularly concerning, given that they are in a crucial phase of development, and their emotional and physical well-being can be severely affected by such circumstances (Wessells,& Monteiro 2018). Research on teenagers and armed conflict has focused on various aspects of their experiences, including exposure to violence, forced displacement, and psychosocial effects. Studies have shown that teenagers who are exposed to armed conflict are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Fazel et al., 2014; Pompey, 2014). Moreover, armed conflict can lead to physical injuries and disabilities, disrupting teenagers’ growth and development (Wessells & Monteiro, 2018). Teenagers who are displaced due to armed conflict face unique challenges in terms of accessing education, healthcare, and other basic needs (Kizilhan, 2019). Displacement can also lead to further psychological distress, stigmatization, and discrimination, affecting teenagers’ social and emotional well-being (Chaseley, Stavrou, & Mollica, 2019).

The Anglophone crisis, which began in 2016 in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon, has had profound and multifaceted effects on the population, particularly teenagers in places like Fundong Subdivision. This conflict, characterized by demands for greater autonomy and recognition of the English-speaking minority’s cultural and political rights, has resulted in significant disruptions in the lives of teenagers (Hornkohl& Olivier 2020). This background section provides an overview of the crisis and teenage pregnancies , drawing on relevant literature and sources.

The Anglophone crisis has deep historical roots, dating back to the colonial period when British and French administrations governed Cameroon. After independence, the distinct linguistic and cultural identities of Anglophones and Francophones created tensions in the bilingual nation (Kouega, 2010). These historical divisions laid the groundwork for the current crisis. The crisis gained momentum in 2016 with peaceful protests and strikes, followed by a government crackdown. Armed separatist groups emerged, leading to a violent conflict in Anglophone regions, including Fundong (Hornkohl & Olivier, 2020).

The closure of schools and attacks on teachers by separatist groups have severely disrupted education in the region (HRW, 2020). Many teenagers have been unable to attend school, leading to concerns about their long-term educational prospects. Teenagers in Fundong have been exposed to traumatic events, including violence, displacement, and loss of loved ones. This exposure can result in psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (HRW, 2019). Families have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and insecurity, causing displacement and instability. Many teenagers have experienced the challenges of life as internally displaced persons (IDPs) (UNHCR, 2019).

The crisis has disrupted economic activities, limiting opportunities for teenagers to engage in income-generating activities. This economic instability may hinder their prospects for the future (Crisis Group, 2018). The crisis has limited social interactions, as communities have been fractured, and people are often isolated due to the security situation. This can affect teenagers’ social development and overall well-being (Hornkohl & Olivier, 2020). Reports suggest that teenagers have been recruited into armed groups on both sides of the conflict (HRW, 2019). This poses a significant risk to their safety and well-being.

This comprehensive study aims to delve deeper into the Anglophone crisis and teenage pregnancy  issues, providing empirical data on the the Anglophone crisis and teenage pregnancy on teenagers in Fundong Subdivision. By understanding these effects, it is possible to develop effective strategies to support and mitigate the challenges faced by this vulnerable demographic in a conflict-affected region.

1.2 Statement of the Problem.

“In the context of the Ongoing Anglophone Crisis in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, the Fundong Subdivision has observed a concerning rise in the incidence of teenage pregnancies among adolescents. The crisis, marked by socio-political unrest and armed conflict, has not only disrupted the fundamental fabric of society but has also seemingly contributed to adverse social and health-related outcomes among adolescents. The crisis have made teenagers in Fundong  subdivision to get engaged into activities like sexual immorality, the crisis has profoundly shaped the relationship and interactions of  teenager, as they navigate the challenges of restricted mobility, displacement, prolonged school closures and limited access to social amenities which has made them to get engage in sexual immoralities, cyber criminality, and drug cultivation and consumption. psychological well-being is another crucial aspect to consider as exposure to violence ,loss of love ones( likes parents )  and displacement can cause trauma ,anxiety, hardship, depression, push them to get involved  in sexual activities in order to fend for themselves  and other mental health issues amongst teenagers. Furthermore, the Anglophone crisis has disrupted the educational landscape, limiting the access to quality education leading to increased drop outs rates and hindering the development of necessary skills for their future and hence increase teenager pregnancy rate. This study seeks to investigate the specific causes, determinants, and consequences of the rise in teenage pregnancies, within the context of the Anglophone Crisis, in the Fundong Subdivision. The profound understanding of these interrelated phenomena will provide essential insights for intervention strategies, policy formulation, and the prioritization of resources aimed at addressing the well-being and future prospects of adolescents amidst crisis conditions.”

1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 Main Research Question

• What is the situation of adolescent girls in Fundong subdivision during Anglophone crisis?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

• What are the causes of the surge in teenage pregnancies amidst the crisis in the Fundong sub division.?
• What are the short and long term effects of teenage pregnancies amidst this crisis in Fundong Subdivision?
• What are the community strategies that can tackle the occurrence of teenage pregnancies Fundong Subdivision?

1.4research Objectives

1.4.1main Research Objective

• To examine the situation of adolescent girls in Fundong subdivision during the Anglophone crisis and suggest possible solutions .

1.4.2specific Research Objectives

• To examine the causes of the surge in teenage pregnancies amidst the crisis in the Fundong sub division.
• To investigate the short and long term effects of teenage pregnancies amidst this crisis Fundong Subdivision.

• To identify the community strategies that can tackle the occurrence of teenage pregancies Fundong Subdivision.