International reactions to the Anglophone Crisis

See also: Anglophone Crisis and Timeline of the Anglophone Crisis

From 2018, the Anglophone Crisis drew increasing international attention, and became a challenge to Cameroon's foreign relations. Triggered by a violent crackdown on the 2016–2017 Cameroonian protests, the conflict escalated from a low-scale insurgency to a civil war-like situation.[1] While Cameroon enjoys support from African countries,[2][3] no country has openly supported the Ambazonian independence movements. However, many countries have put pressure on Cameroon to talk to the separatists.[4] In addition, the separatists enjoy support from officers in the Nigerian Army, who have helped arrange arms deals for them.[5]

While African countries have been largely silent on the issue[2] and opposed any non-African interference,[6] many Western countries have put pressure on Cameroon to open a dialogue with the separatists. In May 2019, an informal discussion was held at the United Nations Security Council, a milestone after nearly two years of little international involvement.[4]

Southern Cameroonian expats marching in support of the Ambazonian cause
  1. ^ Cameroon on Brink of Civil War as English Speakers Recount ‘Unbearable’ Horrors, The New York Times, Oct 6, 2018. Accessed Apr 27, 2019.
  2. ^ a b African Union Intervenes In Cameroon Crisis Archived 2019-08-24 at the Wayback Machine, Taarifa, Jul 12, 2018. Accessed Jul 12, 2018.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Arria was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference FalloutsUN was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference goinginternational was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference crisisgroupmay22019 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).