ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the economic impacts of the Anglophone Conflict on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the government’s responses to the conflict. The case study is conducted in Buea, a city that has been significantly affected by the Anglophone conflict and is also hosting a large number of IDPs from towns and villages in the Anglophone zone. The research design used is a case study approach, and the study is guided by three main objectives: to identify the economic impacts of the conflict on IDPs in Buea, to examine the government’s responses to the conflict, and to understand the challenges faced by the government in addressing the problem. The study is divided into five chapters, and data and findings are presented using tables and pie charts. The theoretical framework used in this study is the relative deprivation theory proposed by Walker Pettigrew in 1984, which suggests that when individuals perceive their in-group as disadvantaged compared to a relevant referent, it leads to feelings of anger, resentment, and entitlement.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Conflicts have multifaceted implications for societies, including political, economic, social, and cultural consequences. They can result in decreased economic productivity, weakened political institutions, inadequate provision of essential services, destruction of resources, loss of food production, and capital flight. Assessing the economic cost of conflicts involves examining the loss of potential foreign and domestic investments due to crime and insecurity, the decline in income from tourism, and the impact on government sectors such as agriculture. Conflict has been a recurring issue throughout human history, leading to confrontations and wars (Nkongho, 1999:25).

Collier (2003: 1-10) suggests that conflicts in Africa have predominantly taken the form of civil wars, contrasting with the past when conflicts were mostly international in nature. In recent years, the majority of civil wars worldwide have occurred in Africa, including notable cases such as Angola, Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, and Sudan. The international community has often been reluctant to intervene in these civil wars, believing that they are internal conflicts and not warranting external involvement. However, the consequences of these civil wars are immense, both at the national and international levels.

Violent conflicts have had a profound impact on African societies, politics, and economies, hindering their development and democratic progress (White, 2003). The causes of these conflicts are complex, and their resolution presents significant challenges. However, there is no doubt about their costs and the urgent need to address them if Africa is to achieve greater success in the twenty-first century compared to the twentieth century, which was marked by the legacies of colonialism and disruptive postcolonial disruptions (White, 2003). Compared to other regions, Africa has experienced a higher incidence of violent conflicts throughout history (White, 2003). Although Africa’s share of casualties from conflicts and atrocities in the twentieth century is relatively modest compared to events such as the World Wars, the continent has witnessed substantial bloodshed, particularly during the colonial period in regions such as King Leopold’s Congo Free State (White, 2003).

The current conflict in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon can be described as a political conflict with identity undertones. The warfare involves the use of small arms and low technology. Such conflicts are relatively low-cost and can be sustained without external aid. The roots of this conflict lie in the decolonization process of Cameroon after World War I when the German colony “Kamerun” was divided between Britain and France under the Treaty of Versailles (1919), with France receiving the larger portion (CHRDA, 2019: 22).

The Anglophone population, constituting 20 percent of Cameroon’s population, has expressed feelings of marginalization. The grievances initially revolved around specific issues but eventually evolved into broader political demands, leading to strikes and riots in 2016 (ACCORD, 2017). The movement gained momentum, and the government’s repressive measures were no longer sufficient to quell the unrest, resulting in negotiations with Anglophone trade unions and some concessions. The conflict escalated, causing a three-month internet shutdown, six months of general strikes, and the loss of an entire school year. Some factions are now demanding federalism or secession (ACCORD, 2017). The Anglophone problem traces its roots back to the independence period when a poorly executed reunification process, based on centralization and assimilation, led to the political and economic marginalization of the Anglophone minority and the neglect of their cultural differences. The current crisis represents a worrisome resurgence of an ongoing issue, characterized by a breakdown in trust between Anglophone activists and the government, highlighted by the arrest of movement leaders and the disruption of internet services (IPSS, 2019).

The Anglophone crisis primarily revolves around the predicament of a minority population oscillating between desires for integration and autonomy (International Crisis Group, 2017, vol. 250). On October 1, 2016, Common Law lawyers in Bamenda organized a press conference, defying a government ban, to express their frustrations about the perceived marginalization of Anglophones (Mbunwe and Mbuwil, 2016, p. 2). The lawyers presented various demands, seeking support from trade unions, teachers’ associations, and other organizations across the North West and South West Regions (Adams & Mbunwe, 2016: 2). Teachers also joined the protests on November 21, 2016, highlighting concerns about the imposition of French in schools and the appointment of French-speaking teachers (CHRDA, 2019: 22).

The Anglophone separatist movement in Cameroon has gained significant attention, becoming one of the most prominent contemporary separatist conflicts in Africa. The conflict has been extensively discussed in UN Security Council meetings due to reports of human rights abuses, internal displacements of persons, and the increasing number of refugees in neighboring countries as a result of the spillover effects of the conflict.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Internally Displaced Persons are protected by International Humanitarian Law and have specific rights. However, in the context of the Anglophone conflict, many IDPs have faced challenges and hardships, including rejection and hostility in some host communities. Additionally, the economic difficulties experienced by IDPs have been overwhelming, leading to issues such as hunger, criminal activities, and engagement in activities that they would not otherwise resort to under normal circumstances. The government has not adequately addressed the needs of IDPs, which has contributed to their continuous economic hardships. This study aims to understand the economic effects of the conflict on IDPs and shed light on the government’s responses to these challenges.

Based on the above, the following research questions were formulated:

1.3 Research Questions

What are the economic impacts of the Anglophone conflict on IDPs in Buea?

What measures has the government of Cameroon implemented to enhance socio-economic activities for IDPs?

What challenges has the government faced in promoting economic development and addressing the needs of IDPs in Buea?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

To identify the economic effects of the conflict on IDPs in Buea.

To evaluate the measures implemented by the government of Cameroon to promote socio-economic activities and sustainable peace and development in the Northwest and Southwest regions.

To examine the challenges faced by the Cameroon government in promoting socio-economic development in Buea.

1.5 Research Hypotheses of the Study

There are no significant economic effects of the conflict on economic activities in Buea.

The measures implemented by the Cameroon government have no significant impact on boosting socio-economic activities and fostering sustainable peace and development in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon.

The Cameroon government does not encounter any significant challenges in promoting socio-economic development in Buea.