Buea:Cameroon: Ten years into the Anglophone conflict, questions are arising about the government's strategy for resolution. Is there a reliance on international mediation, or is the belief that the conflict will naturally dissipate over time taking precedence? According to Cameroon News Agency, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute's recent Community Dialogue in Buea has highlighted these concerns. Despite various attempts at international mediation, such as Switzerland's efforts from 2019 to 2022 and Canada's 2023 proposal, Cameroon has shown a preference for internal dialogue initiatives. The government has consistently promoted its own dialogues, like the 2019 Major National Dialogue and the recent community discussions in Buea. While Yaoundé supports dialogue, there is a notable distinction between government-led discussions and those facilitated by external mediators, which often require engaging with separatist actors as legitimate partners. Prime Minister Ngute's suggestion that the conflict might 'die a natural death' over the next decade raises the question of whether the government sees prolonged conflict fatigue as a solution. Over time, military pressure and community reluctance to support armed groups could diminish the conflict's momentum without a formal settlement. Cameroon's focus on national initiatives—such as dialogue, decentralization, and reconstruction—indicates a preference for a peace process under its control. However, these efforts may not address the political grievances that initiated the conflict. The idea of the conflict ending 'naturally' is complicated by unresolved political issues, suggesting that a quieter conflict does not equate to resolution. As the conflict continues without a negotiated settlement, the critical question remains whether the government aims to merely outlast the conflict or actively resolve the underlying grievances. This distinction will shape Cameroon's strategy and the potential for international mediation in the future.
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