The Crisis in the English-Speaking Regions of Cameroon - A Working Briefing Paper
- Pedro Zaraza
- Dec 13, 2024
- 14 min read
The crisis in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, commonly referred to as the Anglophone Crisis, represents a profound humanitarian and socio-economic challenge that has persisted since it escalated in 2016. Rooted in historical grievances stemming from the marginalization of English-speaking communities within a predominantly French-speaking governance structure, the conflict was ignited by protests against perceived cultural and political encroachment. This led to a violent backlash from the government and the emergence of armed separatist movements advocating for the independence of "Ambazonia." As of 2023, the situation remains dire and unresolved, characterized by ongoing clashes between government forces and separatist groups. The conflict has claimed at least 4,000 lives and displaced over 700,000 individuals internally, alongside an additional 60,000 who have sought refuge in Nigeria. Widespread human rights violations have been reported on both sides, and the socio-economic landscape has been devastated, particularly in agriculture and commerce, with significant declines in key exports like cocoa, coffee, and bananas. This economic upheaval has led to soaring unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, which are reported to be 20% higher than the national average.
The healthcare system in these regions has been gravely impacted, with around 40% of facilities closed, exacerbated by the withdrawal of critical organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) amid accusations regarding their neutrality. This has severely limited access to essential medical services and contributed to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and cholera, as immunization campaigns have been disrupted.
Despite efforts at dialogue and peace negotiations, significant distrust between parties and a backdrop of continued violence have rendered these initiatives largely ineffective. The government's recent attempts at regional decentralization and autonomy have not sufficiently addressed the underlying issues fuelling the conflict. Humanitarian assistance remains crucial as international organizations work to provide support and plan for long-term recovery. The need for comprehensive strategies to support displaced populations, restore livelihoods, and revitalize public services is urgent, as stakeholders seek to navigate the complexities of this entrenched crisis.
1.0 Background
1.1 Origins of the Crisis
The crisis in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, also known as the Anglophone Crisis, has its roots in the country's colonial history and the marginalisation of English-speaking communities. Cameroon, a bilingual country with French and English as official languages, emerged from a colonial history involving both the French and British. After independence, the country was unified under a federal structure, but in 1972, the federal system was abolished in favour of a unitary state, leading to concerns among the English-speaking population about political and cultural marginalisation.
In 2016, the crisis escalated when lawyers and teachers in the Northwest and Southwest regions, where English is predominantly spoken, organised protests against the perceived imposition of French-language practices in schools and courts. These peaceful protests were met with a heavy-handed response from the government, resulting in arrests and escalating tensions. By 2017, some groups declared the independence of "Ambazonia," an entity claiming the Anglophone regions, leading to an armed conflict between separatist fighters and Cameroonian security forces.
1.2 Current Status of the Crisis
As of 2023, the conflict remains unresolved, with ongoing fighting between government forces and armed separatist groups.
The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and socio-economic disruptions in the affected regions. Peace initiatives, including dialogues and negotiations, have largely been unsuccessful due to distrust between the parties and ongoing violence. The government has announced regional decentralisation policies and attempted some measures to grant more autonomy to the Anglophone regions, but these have not been sufficient to resolve the conflict.
2.0 Impact of the Crisis
2.1. Humanitarian Situation
Displacement: The conflict has led to widespread displacement, with over 700,000 people internally displaced as of 2023. Additionally, an estimated 60,000 refugees have fled to neighbouring Nigeria to escape the violence.
Casualties: According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the conflict has resulted in at least 4,000 deaths since 2017, although some estimates suggest the number may be higher due to underreporting in remote areas.
Human Rights Violations: Both government forces and separatist groups have been accused of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and burning of villages.
2.2 Impact on Livelihoods and Employment
Agriculture and Commerce: The crisis has devastated the agricultural sector, which is the main source of livelihood in the Northwest and Southwest regions. Cocoa, coffee, and banana production, which are key exports, have declined significantly due to insecurity and displacement of farmers. This has led to loss of income for thousands of farming households.
Small Businesses: Many small businesses have closed, and economic activities have been severely disrupted by frequent lockdowns (referred to as "ghost town" days imposed by separatists) and insecurity on roads. As a result, unemployment rates in the affected regions have soared.
Unemployment Trends: Data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) indicates that youth unemployment in the English-speaking regions is 20% higher than in the rest of the country due to the conflict.
2.3 Impact on Health
Healthcare Infrastructure: Many healthcare facilities in the affected regions have been destroyed or abandoned due to insecurity, leading to limited access to medical services. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which provided critical health services, had its operations suspended in 2021 due to accusations of supporting separatists, further straining healthcare access.
Access to Health Services: Reports from UNICEF show that the crisis has resulted in the closure of about 40% of health facilities in the Northwest and Southwest regions, and there is a shortage of health workers due to displacement and insecurity.
Disease Outbreaks: There have been reports of cholera outbreaks in some areas, exacerbated by poor water and sanitation conditions. Additionally, the conflict has hindered immunisation campaigns, leading to a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles.
2.4. Impact on Education
School Closures: Over 800,000 children have been affected by school closures, as many schools have been attacked or repurposed by armed groups. The UNICEF estimates that more than 80% of schools in the Northwest and Southwest regions have been non-functional at various times since the conflict began.
Educational Attainment: The conflict has caused a significant decline in educational attainment, with many students missing out on years of schooling. Some children have resorted to informal education, while others have fled to safer regions or neighbouring countries to continue their studies.
Teacher Shortages: Teachers have been targeted in the conflict, leading to a shortage of qualified educators willing to work in the affected areas.
2.5. Impact on Infrastructure
Destruction of Public Infrastructure: The war has caused widespread destruction of roads, bridges, electricity lines, and water facilities, further isolating communities and making it difficult to deliver humanitarian aid.
Reconstruction Needs: According to the World Bank, the cost of reconstructing infrastructure in the affected regions could be as high as USD 300 million, depending on the scale of destruction and access to conflict-affected areas.
Transportation Disruption: Roads are frequently blocked by armed groups or military forces, limiting the movement of goods and people and impacting the overall economy.
2.6 Socio-Economic Trends and Data Over the Last 3 Years
Indicator | 2019 | 2021 | 2023 (estimates) |
Internally Displaced People | 530,000 | 650,000 | 700,000+ |
Refugees (in Nigeria) | 45,000 | 60,000 | 60,000+ |
School Closures (%) | 60% of schools closed | 75% of schools closed | 80% of schools closed |
Healthcare Access | 55% of facilities functional | 45% of facilities functional | 40% of facilities functional |
Youth Unemployment Rate (region) | 35% | 40% | 45% |
Economic Loss (USD) | Estimated at 150 million | Estimated at 200 million | Estimated at 300 million |
Cocoa Production Decline (%) | 20% reduction from pre-crisis levels | 30% reduction from pre-crisis levels | 40% reduction from pre-crisis levels |
3.0 Operators Currently Active in the Region
3.1 Non- Governmental Organisations/ Civil Society Organisations, including faith groups and government /Public Sector Agencies
3.1.1 Humanitarian Organizations:
United Nations Agencies (UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR): Providing food aid, shelter, healthcare, and education support to displaced populations.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF): Provided medical assistance until operations were suspended in 2021. Advocacy is ongoing for the reinstatement of their services.
International Red Cross (ICRC): Engaged in emergency relief, healthcare, and rebuilding infrastructure, such as water facilities.
3.1.2 Local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):
o Reach Out Cameroon: Working on community health, food security, and women's empowerment.
o Community Initiative for Sustainable Development (COMINSUD): Focuses on peacebuilding, youth education, and supporting smallholder farmers.
3.1.3 Government Initiatives:
o Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction of the Northwest and Southwest Regions (PPRD-NW/SW): Launched to rehabilitate infrastructure, rebuild schools, and restore livelihoods, with a budget of USD 150 million earmarked for reconstruction efforts.
3.1.4 Faith-Based Organizations:
o Caritas Cameroon: Providing relief services, including shelter, healthcare, and educational support.
o Presbyterian Church in Cameroon: Engaged in peacebuilding initiatives and support for displaced communities.
3.2 Major Private Sector Operators, Multilateral Bilateral and other International Agencies
3.2.1. Major International Private Sector Operators in the Crisis-Affected Regions of Cameroon
In the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, despite the ongoing conflict, several major international private sector companies continue to operate, primarily focusing on agriculture, mining, and logistics. Below are seven key international private sector operators in the Northwest and Southwest regions:
Company Name | Industry | Products/Services | Operations in the Region |
Cargill | Agriculture | Cocoa trading, coffee exports | Involved in sourcing cocoa and coffee from smallholder farmers |
Société Camerounaise de Raffinage (SOCAPALM) | Agriculture | Palm oil production | Operates palm oil plantations in the Southwest region |
Olam International | Agriculture/Commodities | Cocoa processing, rubber, coffee | Operates cocoa processing facilities and engages in coffee trading |
Del Monte | Agribusiness | Banana production and exports | Manages banana plantations and export activities in the Southwest |
Guinness Cameroon (Diageo) | Food and Beverage | Production of beverages, including beer | Uses local agricultural products, such as maize, from regional farmers |
HeidelbergCement (CIMENCAM) | Construction Materials | Cement production and distribution | Provides construction materials, supporting infrastructure projects |
TotalEnergies | Energy | Fuel distribution, lubricant production | Supplies fuel to both commercial clients and local distributors |
3.2.2. Local and Indigenous Operators in the Region
Several local and indigenous companies are also active in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon, primarily in agriculture, small-scale processing, and trade. Here are some examples:
Company Name | Industry | Products/Services | Operations in the Region |
Northwest Cooperative Association (NWCA) | Agriculture | Coffee production and trade | Supports smallholder coffee farmers in the Northwest |
Prescraft (Presbyterian Handicraft Center) | Artisanal/Handicrafts | Production and sale of handicrafts | Provides employment to local artisans and supports cultural preservation |
Southwest Development Authority (SOWEDA) | Agriculture | Agricultural development, supply of inputs | Engages in agricultural development projects |
Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) | Agriculture | Banana, rubber, and palm oil production | Manages plantations across the Southwest, one of the largest employers |
La Falaise Group | Food and Beverage | Agro-processing, meat and fish products distribution | Supplies local markets with processed food items |
Chariot Oil and Gas | Energy | Oil exploration and small-scale extraction | Engages in oil and gas activities in the Southwest |
Limbe Leaf Tobacco | Agriculture | Tobacco production and processing | Operates tobacco farms in the Southwest |
3.2.3. Multilateral, Bilateral, and Institutional Programs in the Region
Numerous international agencies and multilateral organisations have been actively supporting humanitarian and development efforts in the Northwest and Southwest regions. The primary focus areas include humanitarian assistance, infrastructure rehabilitation, agricultural support, and peacebuilding.
Agency/Institution | Program Name | Funding (USD) | Nature of the Project | Annual Budget for the Last 3 Years |
World Bank | Community Development Program Support Project | 160 million (2021-2025) | Infrastructure rehabilitation, agricultural development | 40 million annually |
African Development Bank (AfDB) | Agro-Industrial Transformation Project (PIDMA) | 121 million (ongoing) | Support for smallholder farmers, agricultural value chain development | 30-35 million annually |
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) | Presidential Plan for Reconstruction (PPRD-NW/SW) | 150 million (2020-2023) | Reconstruction of schools, hospitals, infrastructure | 50 million annually |
European Union (EU) | EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF) | 20 million | Youth employment, conflict resolution, vocational training | 6-7 million annually |
International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Rapid Credit Facility (COVID-19) | 226 million (2020) | Economic support to mitigate COVID-19 impact | N/A |
USAID | Cameroon Humanitarian Response Plan | 22 million (2023) | Humanitarian aid, including food assistance and health services | 20-25 million annually |
French Development Agency (AFD) | Infrastructure for Resilience Program | 100 million (2021-2025) | Rehabilitation of roads, schools, and healthcare facilities | 25 million annually |
3.2.4 Nature of Projects
World Bank - Community Development Program Support Project: This project focuses on rehabilitating community infrastructure, such as schools, health centres, and water supply systems. It also supports agricultural development by providing inputs, training, and market access for smallholder farmers.
African Development Bank (AfDB) - Agro-Industrial Transformation Project (PIDMA): The goal is to enhance the agricultural value chain by providing financial and technical assistance to smallholder farmers, facilitating the establishment of agro-processing facilities, and promoting the use of modern farming techniques.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - Presidential Plan for Reconstruction (PPRD-NW/SW): This initiative aims to rebuild conflict-affected infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and public facilities. It also includes components for social cohesion and livelihood restoration.
European Union (EU) - EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF): The program addresses youth unemployment and provides vocational training to improve skills and employment prospects in the conflict-affected regions. It also supports conflict resolution initiatives to foster peace.
USAID - Cameroon Humanitarian Response Plan: Focused on emergency humanitarian assistance, this program provides food aid, healthcare, and shelter support for displaced populations. It also funds child protection and education programs for conflict-affected children.
3.3 Current Funding Sources and Management in the Region
3.3.1 Ongoing Grants and Loans:
African Development Bank (AfDB): Ongoing soft loans and grants for the Agro-Industrial Transformation Project. This project has provided loans to farmers' cooperatives and SMEs involved in agricultural processing.
Criteria for Funding: Applicants must be registered cooperatives or SMEs, operating in the agricultural sector, with a business plan and proof of capacity.
World Bank: Offers loans and grants under the Community Development Program, targeted at local governments and NGOs for infrastructure projects.
Criteria for Funding: Proposals must align with community development goals, include co-funding from local authorities, and demonstrate community impact.
European Union (EU): Provides grants through the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, which supports youth training, employment programs, and conflict resolution.
Criteria for Funding: Beneficiaries must be youth-focused NGOs, social enterprises, or educational institutions with programs to aid conflict-affected populations.
French Development Agency (AFD): Supports infrastructure rehabilitation through the Infrastructure for Resilience Program.
Criteria for Funding: Proposals must detail the infrastructure needs, have a long-term maintenance plan, and include a component for community involvement.
3.3.4 Funding Sources Available for Regions Facing Similar Circumstances
Below are various funding types (loans, grants, concessions, etc.) from different sectors, including private sector investments, philanthropists, multilateral agencies, and bilateral agreements:
Funding Source | Type | Details/Activities |
African Development Bank (AfDB) | Concessional loans | Agriculture and infrastructure projects, low-interest financing |
World Bank (IDA Credits) | Soft loans | Infrastructure, healthcare, education projects, extended repayment terms |
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) | Grants | Peacebuilding, reconstruction, social services |
USAID | Grants | Emergency humanitarian response, healthcare, education |
EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF) | Grants | Vocational training, conflict resolution, job creation |
French Development Agency (AFD) | Concessional loans | Infrastructure development, energy, water projects |
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) | Loans and grants | Rural development, agricultural productivity, food security |
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) | Grants | Agricultural development, farm productivity, access to markets |
The Rockefeller Foundation | Philanthropy grants | Health, food security, sustainable agriculture |
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Philanthropy grants | Agricultural research, poverty alleviation, access to healthcare |
African Development Bank (AfDB) | Concessional loans | Agriculture and infrastructure projects, low-interest financing |
World Bank (IDA Credits) | Soft loans | Infrastructure, healthcare, education projects, extended repayment terms |
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) | Grants | Peacebuilding, reconstruction, social services |
USAID | Grants | Emergency humanitarian response, healthcare, education |
EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF) | Grants | Vocational training, conflict resolution, job creation |
French Development Agency (AFD) | Concessional loans | Infrastructure development, energy, water projects |
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) | Loans and grants | Rural development, agricultural productivity, food security |
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) | Grants | Agricultural development, farm productivity, access to markets |
The Rockefeller Foundation | Philanthropy grants | Health, food security, sustainable agriculture |
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Philanthropy grants | Agricultural research, poverty alleviation, access to healthcare |
International Finance Corporation (IFC) | Equity investments, loans | Private sector investments, financing for agribusinesses |
Green Climate Fund | Grants and concessional loans | Climate resilience projects, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture |
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) | Grants | Support for displaced persons, education, emergency relief |
The World Food Programme (WFP) | Grants | Food security, emergency food distribution, nutrition programs |
The African Union (AU) Peace Fund | Grants | Support for peacekeeping, conflict resolution, regional security |
International Monetary Fund (IMF) | Emergency assistance loans | Economic stabilization programs, debt relief for governments |
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) | Grants, technical assistance | Agricultural development, education, vocational training |
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) | Grants | Support for human rights, education, and sustainable development |
China's Exim Bank | Concessional loans | Infrastructure development, energy, and transport projects |
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) | Grants and concessional loans | Agricultural development, infrastructure, healthcare projects |
3.3.5 Additional Details on Specific Funding Sources
African Development Bank (AfDB):
Funding Programs: Offers concessional loans and grants to support projects related to agriculture, infrastructure, and industrialisation.
Example: The Agro-Industrial Transformation Project (PIDMA) in Cameroon, which supports smallholder farmers and agricultural value chains, is funded at USD 121 million.
Criteria: Projects must align with the AfDB’s High 5s priorities (Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa).
World Bank (IDA Credits):
Programs in Cameroon: Funding initiatives such as the Community Development Program Support Project with a budget of USD 160 million for infrastructure rehabilitation and community development.
Criteria: Eligible projects must demonstrate economic impact, sustainable development, and alignment with World Bank policies.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP):
Focus Areas: Offers grants for peacebuilding, reconstruction, and social services. For instance, the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development (PPRD-NW/SW) in Cameroon is supported with USD 150 million.
Criteria: Projects should promote peace, social cohesion, and livelihood restoration.
USAID:
Programs: USAID’s Cameroon Humanitarian Response Plan has allocated USD 22 million in 2023 to address emergency needs, including health, food security, and education.
Criteria: Beneficiaries include humanitarian organizations and NGOs addressing immediate needs in conflict-affected areas.
European Union (EU) Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF):
Budget: Allocates approximately USD 20 million annually for projects targeting youth employment, conflict resolution, and vocational training.
Criteria: Supports initiatives by NGOs, community-based organizations, and government institutions.
3.3.6 Ongoing Funding Sources in the Region
Funding Program | Managing Organization | Amount Allocated (Last 3 Years) | Nature of Funding | Criteria for Accessing Funds |
Agro-Industrial Transformation Project (PIDMA) | African Development Bank (AfDB) | USD 121 million | Concessional loans for agribusiness | Registered cooperatives and SMEs in agriculture |
Community Development Program Support Project | World Bank | USD 160 million | Loans and grants for infrastructure | Local governments and NGOs |
Presidential Plan for Reconstruction (PPRD-NW/SW) | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) | USD 150 million | Grants for infrastructure, social services | Projects that promote peace and community rebuilding |
Infrastructure for Resilience Program | French Development Agency (AFD) | USD 100 million | Concessional loans for infrastructure | Public institutions and private infrastructure firms |
Cameroon Humanitarian Response Plan | USAID | USD 22 million (2023) | Emergency grants | Humanitarian organizations and NGOs |
3.3.7 Additional Sources of Funding Available for Conflict-Affected Regions
For regions facing similar circumstances, including Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, various funding options are available to support agriculture, infrastructure, humanitarian needs, and socio-economic recovery. These sources include soft loans, grants, equity investments, and public-private partnerships (PPPs). Below are the categories and their details:
Grants
Philanthropic Foundations (e.g., Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation): Focus on healthcare, agricultural development, and poverty alleviation.
International Organizations (e.g., UN agencies, WFP): Provide emergency assistance, food security programs, and educational support.
Soft Loans
World Bank (IDA Credits): Offer extended repayment terms and low-interest rates for infrastructure projects, including education and health.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD): Provides concessional loans for agricultural projects, focusing on smallholder farmers.
Concessional Loans
African Development Bank (AfDB): Targets agriculture, industrial development, and infrastructure.
French Development Agency (AFD): Finances projects related to infrastructure, energy, and sustainable development.
Equity Investments and PPPs
International Finance Corporation (IFC): Provides equity financing for private-sector development projects.
Private Investors and Venture Capital (e.g., impact investors): Invest in scalable agricultural and infrastructure projects with social impact goals.
Humanitarian Aid Programs
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA): Offers grants to address immediate humanitarian needs, including healthcare, food, and shelter.
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC): Focuses on providing relief and support to displaced populations.
These programs provide a range of financial solutions for addressing the multi-faceted challenges in crisis-affected regions like Cameroon’s English-speaking areas.
References
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) – Humanitarian Response Plan for Cameroon.
World Bank – Country Reports and Reconstruction Assessments.
International Crisis Group – Reports on the Anglophone Crisis.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – Official Statements on the Crisis in Cameroon.
UNICEF – Reports on the Impact of Conflict on Education in Cameroon.
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