Yaounde: In the aftermath of Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election, the nation witnessed a series of protests that initially began with large, yet largely peaceful gatherings in cities including Douala, Yaounde, Bafoussam, and Garoua. The government’s response to these protests has drawn attention for its stark contrast to the heavy-handed tactics employed during the Anglophone Crisis, raising questions about the motivation behind this measured approach.
According to Cameroon News Agency, the Biya government’s handling of the recent demonstrations stands in sharp contrast to the response during the Anglophone Crisis nine years ago. Initially a peaceful plea for reform led by lawyers, teachers, and students in the North West and South West regions, the Anglophone Crisis was met with severe repression from the government. Protesters were met with brute force; lawyers were beaten, teachers were manhandled, and students were jailed. The government’s rhetoric was harsh, with some officials labeling Anglopho
nes as “dogs” and “cockroaches” and branding them as “terrorists.”
In recent protests in Yaounde and other cities, however, the government has taken a notably different approach. Soldiers have been seen reasoning with protesters, and officials have actively engaged with citizens, urging them to maintain peace and order. This softer, more empathetic response has prompted discussions about whether the government has learned from its past actions or if it is simply applying double standards based on the origin of the dissent.
The contrasting responses to Anglophone and Francophone protests highlight a potential hierarchy of belonging within Cameroon. As the government calls for calm and dialogue in the capital, towns in the Anglophone regions remain under the shadow of fear and unresolved conflict. Schools remain closed, and communities continue to grapple with trauma and displacement.
The situation has prompted calls for a genuine reckoning with the past and a commitment to equal justice and dignity for all
citizens. Critics argue that selective compassion and strategic convenience cannot heal a nation’s wounds. True leadership, they assert, requires an honest acknowledgment of past wrongs and a consistent approach to dissent, regardless of its origin.
Cameroon’s future peace and stability, as underscored by the recent events, depend on valuing every citizen equally and addressing grievances through dialogue and reconciliation. Until these steps are taken, the nation’s responses to protests will continue to reflect deeper societal divisions and unhealed wounds.