Human Rights Organization endorses Canadian led peace process between Cameroon government and Ambazonia groups and calls for others to join the process
2 min readThe Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA), a Cameroonian Human Rights Organization has welcome the the initiative by the government of Canada to mediate between the Cameroon government and Ambazonia groups. according to CHRDA, communications made by several Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) that “following several months of pre-talks,” the Government of the Republic of Cameroon and various NSAGs and representatives “have made a historic commitment to engage in a negotiated process to end the ongoing war.
The statement by the Human Rights Organisation led by Barrister Agbor Balla also thank the the participating Ambazonia groups. Included on the groups as of the time of this publication represented are: Ambazonia Governing Council (AGovC/ADF), African People’s Liberation Movement (APLM/SOCADEF), the Interim Government (IG) of Julius Ayuk Tabe, and the Ambazonia Coalition Team (ACT). It is further said that “at the end of the third round of talks, a ‘Joint Declaration of Intent and Commitment’ was signed by both parties.”
The Human Rights Organization also calls on all other groups involved in the armed conflict to take part in this process. While thanking the Government of Canada for accepting the mandate to facilitate this process, CHRDA reiterated that civilians are bearing the brunt of the ongoing crisis in Cameroon, with more than 6,000 people having lost their lives since 2017. In addition, nearly 800,000 people have been displaced as a result of this crisis, and 600,000 children do not have full access to education.
While this engagement is beginning, the situation on the ground remains difficult. The participating parties should urgently agree on confidence-building measures, including a ceasefire agreement, and should find ways forward to seek justice and accountability, including by use of joint investigations. Such investigations should cover new incidents as well as crimes committed since the start of the armed conflict.
CHRDA also calls on the parties to show good faith and goodwill for the sake of the civilian population. As wisely put by EU Ambassador to Cameroon Philippe van Damme, the entire process can only succeed when the parties agree to political maturity and statesmanship, i.e. taking responsibility in the name of the common good: peace. Finally, while confidentiality is important, there is also a need to be transparent. CHRDA urges all parties and the Government of Canada to regularly update the Cameroonian population.
In sum, CHRDA applauds this significant step forward, recognizes that more hard work is to come, and urges all parties involved to proceed with haste and seriousness for the good of all.
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Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
