A Study of Secessionist Movements in Cameroon

ABSTRACT

Cameroon since its inception in 1961 has faced a series of secessionist struggles, mainly from its English region. Anglophone Cameroonians who feel marginalized and violated have in recent years revived a quest to secede from Cameroon. This study analyses the secessionist movements in Cameroon, bringing to light the reasons behind their formation, their actors, strategies as well as their chances of success or failure. The study employs the theory of secession as it captures and explains in full detail the occurrences and happenings in Cameroon. In conducting the study, the qualitative research approach and the purposive sampling method were used to attain a representational sample of Cameroonians. The findings from the study identified economic, political and cultural factors as the underlying reasons behind the formation of secessionist movement in Cameroon. It also pointed to the Cameroonian government and lawyers and teachers in the Anglophone regions as the main actors behind the secessionist struggle. Further findings indicated that the secessionist use both overt and covert strategies to ensure the realization of their quest for independence. Findings on the prospects of success or failure reflected that the Cameroonian government is willing to make some adjustments but highly unwilling to give into the secessionist request. The study concluded that the secessionists have genuine reasons for embarking upon the uprising and thus the central government should come out with a clear-cut policy to address the impasse. In view of these revelations, the study recommended the suspension of Cameroon from international organisations and the reversal of policies that impose French in the English systems.