ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the Anglophone Crisis and Customs activities in the city of Bamenda from 2016-2022.The main Objective of the study was to access the impact of the crisis on customs activities in the city of Bamenda. The study employed a mixed- methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The specific objectives were: To identify the specific challenges faced by customs officials in carrying out their duties during the crisis, to identify the implication of the Anglophone crisis on customs revenue generation in Bamenda, to propose strategies and measures to mitigate the effect of the crisis on customs activities in Bamenda.

The study found that the impact of the Anglophone crisis on customs activities in Bamenda has been significant. Increased insecurity has made it more difficult for customs officials to carry out their duties effectively, leading to a decline in revenue generation and increased smuggling and illicit trade. The study also discovered that Customs officials in Bamenda have faced several challenges during the Anglophone crisis, including increased risk of violence, decreased access to border areas, and increased pressure from smugglers and illicit traders. It was still discovered by the study that the financial implications of the Anglophone crisis on customs revenue generation in Bamenda have been significant.

The study also proposed strategies and measures to mitigate the effects of the Anglophone crisis on customs activities in Bamenda. Several strategies and measures were recommended to mitigate the impact of the Anglophone crisis on customs activities in Bamenda. These include strengthening border security, implementing risk management systems, promoting trade facilitation, leveraging technology, strengthening institutional capacity, and collaborating with stakeholders. The study’s findings can inform efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, which is essential for promoting cross-border trade and regional integration.

CHAPTER ONE

• Background of study

The Anglophone crisis in Cameroon is a long standing issue that ha it’s routes in the country’s colonial history. Cameroon was colonized by Germany from 1884 until the end of World War 1, after which it was divided between France and the united kingdom under a league of nations mandate. The French-administered areas became independent 1960, while British-administered southern Cameroons became part of the federation with the French-speaking areas.in 1972, the federation was dissolved and the country became a centralized state with two official languages, French and English. Tensions between the Anglophone minority and francophone majority have been simmering for decades, with Anglophone feeling marginalized and discriminated against in various aspects of political, economic and social life. The crisis escalated in 2026 when Anglophone lawyers and teachers went on strike to protest against the increasing use of French Anglophone courts and schools. The government responded with a heavy-handed crackdown, leading to mass protests. The Anglophone crisis has had significant impact on customs activities in the city of Bamenda located in the North West region of Cameroon. Customs officials have faced several challenges in carrying out their duties during the crisis, including increased insecurity, attacks on customs officials, and disruptions to trade(Ngwa,2019). The crisis has also led to decreased economic activity, reduced trade volumes and increased operational resources (Ngwa, 2019). The crisis has since escalated to into an armed conflict between government forces and separatist groups, with sporadic violence, attacks on civilians and human rights abuses reported on both sides. The conflict has had a significant impact on the people and economy of the affects regions with reports of displacement, destruction of property, and a decline in economic activity. The crisis has also led to a humanitarian emergency, with thousands of people displaced and in need of assistance (Human Rights Watch,2021).

The government has taken several measures to address the crisis, including the deployment of additional security forces to the affected regions and the organization of a national dialogue in 2019 aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.However,the crisis continues to escalate,  with both sides engaging in violent attacks and human rights abuses(Human rights Watch 2021).The impact of the crisis on customs activities in the city of Bamenda in the north west region has been significant, with closure of border posts and increased security challenges being among the significant issues. These challenges have led to decreased economic activity, increased operational costs, and a loss of revenue for the government .The security challenges faced by the customs officials have also had a significant impact on their safety and well-being, making it difficult for them to carry out their duties effectively (Ngwa,2019).

Overall, the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to address the underlying causes and contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The impact of the crisis on customs activities in the city of Bamenda and the northwest region and the Northwest region is just one of the aspect of the broader impact on the people and economy of the affected regions. The Cameroonian government has taken several measures to address the Anglophone crisis, although the effectiveness of these measures has been a subject of debate. Here are some of the measures taken by the government:

Deployment of additional forces: The government has deployed thousands of additional security forces to the Anglophone regions to quell the violence and restore order. However, some critics argue that the heavy-handed tactics used by the security forces has only worsened the situation and contributed to the human rights abuses.(Human Rights Watch,2021).Organization of a national dialogue. In 2019, the government organized a national dialogue aimed at finding a  peaceful resolution if the crisis. The dialogue involved representatives from various political parties, civil society organizations, religious groups, as well as some separatist leaders. However, some separatist groups boycotted the dialogue, and its outcomes have been criticized as not being inclusive enough (BBC News,2019).

Release of some political prisoners. The government has released some political prisoners who were arrested during the crisis, including Anglophone activists and opposition leaders.However,many more are still being detained, and the release of some of the prisoners has been criticized as not going far enough tp address the underlying issues of the crisis(Human Rights Watch,2021).

Creation of a special status for Anglophone regions: In 2019, the government of Cameroon created a special status for the Anglophone regions, aimed at bad dressing some of the grievances of the Anglophone minority. The special status includes measures such as the establishment of common law section at the supreme court and the appointment os the Anglophone judges to the constitutional council (BBC News, 2019)

Crackdown on corruption: The government has also launched a crackdown on corruption in the public sector, which has been identified as one of the factors contributing to the marginalization of the Anglophone minority. The government has arrested and prosecutes several high-profile officials on corruptions charges, including former ministers and heads of state-owned companies (BBC News, 2019).Overall, the government has taken some measures to address the Anglophone crisis; many people argue that these measures are not sufficient to address the underlying issues of the crisis. The government’s heavy-handed response has also been criticized, with some arguing that it has only worsened the situation and contributed to human rights abuses .A more comprehensive and inclusive approach is needed to address the grievances of the Anglophone minority and promote peaceful resolution of the conflict. The international community has been closely following the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon and has expressed concern about the human rights abuses and violence on both sides. Here are some of the actions taken by the international community in response to the crisis:

United Nations evolvement: The United Nations has been involved in efforts to address the crisis, with the secretary-general calling for an inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolutions to the conflict. In 2019, the UN organized a joint needs assessment mission to the affected areas, aimed at identifying the humanitarian needs the population (UN news, 2019).Diplomatic pressure: Several countries, including the United States, France and the United Kingdom, have voiced their concern about the crisis and urged the Cameroonian government to take steps to address the underlying issues and promote peaceful resolution. Some countries have also imposed targeted sanctions on individuals involved in human rights abuses (Human Rights Watch, 2021). Humanitarian assistance: The international community has provided humanitarian assistance to the affected population, including food, shelter, and medical aid. The united Nations and several non-governmental organizations are providing assistance to displaced persons and vulnerable groups (UN News 2019).International fact-finding missions: several international organizations, including human rights watch and amnesty international, have conducted fact-finding missions to the affected areas and documented human rights abuses committed by both government forces and separatist groups. These reports have raised awareness of the crisis and put pressure on the Cameroon government to take action to address the situation(Human Rights Watch,2021)

Mediation efforts: Some international organizations have also been involved in mediation efforts aimed at promoting a peaceful resolution to the crisis. For example, the African Union has appointed a mediator to facilitate talks between the Cameroonian government and separatist groups, although progress has been slow (BBC News, 2021)

1.2 Statement of problem

The ongoing Anglophone crisis in Cameroon has had significant implications for customs activities in the city of Bamenda. The challenges to revenue collection, trade facilitation, and border security have impacted the economy of the region and the welfare of its citizens. Addressing these challenges will require a coordinated effort between the government, the customs administration, and other stakeholders to promote peace and stability in the region. One of the main challenges facing the customs administration in Bamenda is the increased smuggling of goods across the border. The conflict has led to the emergence of armed groups that control certain areas and engage in illegal activities such as smuggling and extortion, making it difficult for customs officials to monitor and control the movement of goods across the border (International Crisis Group, 2021). This has resulted in reduced revenue collection and increased opportunities for the entry of contraband goods into the country. The customs administration has been forced to adapt to the changing security situation by increasing its presence at border crossings and adopting new technologies to monitor and control the movement of goods. The conflict has also had a significant impact on trade facilitation in Bamenda. The closure of some border crossings and the increased security measures have led to delays and disruptions in the movement of goods, which has affected businesses and consumers in the region. According to a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the conflict has led to a decline in economic activity and has affected trade flows in the affected regions (UNCTAD,

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1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 Main Research Questions

1.3.2 How has the Anglophone crisis impacted customs activities int the city of Bamenda?

1.3.3 Specific questions

1. What are the key challenges faced by customs officials in carrying out their duties during the Anglophone crisis in Bamenda?

II.How has the Anglophone crisis impacted the revenue generation potential of customs activities in Bamenda?

III.What are the potential strategies and measures that can be implemented to mitigate the effects of the Anglophone crisis on customs activities in Bamenda?

1.4 objectives of the study

1.4.1 Main objective

To access the impact of Anglophone crisis on customs activities in the city of Bamenda.

1.4.2 Specific objectives

1. To identify the specific challenges faced by customs officials in carrying out their duties during the Anglophone crisis.
2. To analyze the financial implications of the Anglophone crisis on customs revenue generation in Bamenda

III. To propose strategies and measures to mitigate the effects of the Anglophone crisis on customs activities in Bamenda.