Abstract

This study was based on the aspect of, the  research method included with a mixed research design. The data collected were analysed using the SPSS statistical tool. One of the major findings on Traditional authorities and peace building in Cameroon case study the Anglophone armed conflict depicts 80% of respondents who affirmed that Traditional authorities get involved in peace building due to level of their capacities with 70% of respondents who agreed that without the presence of peace there will be a lot of  psychological trauma on citizens as well as political instability. Citizens in the anglophone region equally experience a lot of problems Such as death crisis, inability to take care of  themselves due to no time available/fear of begin hurt in the process ,which later on results to starvation as they try to protect themselves.

Also 60% of respondents who affirmed that without the presence of peace put in place by traditional rulers will lead to loss of lives and so much chaos as well as destruction of properties, kidnapping in exchange for money. One recommendation was that the government should create various means of  remedying the crisis ,the rate of crimes die to the usage of arms, so as to be able to protect the vulnerable society.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Cameroon was originally a German colony, but following Germany’s defeat in World War I, it was divided between Britain and France as League of Nations mandates.

The British administered the Northern Cameroons, while the French administered the Southern Cameroons. In 1960, the French-administered part of Cameroon gained independence, followed by the British-administered Northern Cameroons, which joined Nigeria. However, the Southern Cameroons opted to join the newly independent Republic of Cameroon in 1961, which resulted in a linguistic and cultural divide between the Anglophone and Francophone regions.

The issue of language and culture was further exacerbated by the policies of assimilation and integration implemented by the French and British colonial authorities. These policies aimed to erode the cultural identities of the colonized people and impose the culture and language of the colonizers. In the case of Cameroon, the Anglophone region was heavily influenced by British culture and language, while the Francophone region was heavily influenced by French culture and language. This has resulted in a divide between the Anglophone and Francophone regions, with the Anglophone population feeling marginalized and discriminated against.

The Anglophone crisis in Cameroon began in 2016, when lawyers and teachers in the Anglophone region went on strike, demanding better working conditions and the recognition of their language and culture. The protests soon spread to other sectors, including students, traders, and the general public, leading to a crackdown by the government. In response, separatist groups emerged, seeking the secession of the Anglophone regions from Cameroon and the creation of a new state, Ambazonia. The conflict has since escalated, with both sides committing human rights abuses and thousands of people being displaced or killed.

Therefore, it is important to examine the role of Britain and France in creating the linguistic and cultural divide in Cameroon, and how this has contributed to the current Anglophone crisis. Additionally, understanding the historical context of the conflict can provide insights into the challenges faced by traditional authorities in promoting peace and reconciliation in the conflict-affected areas of the Anglophone region.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The Anglophone armed conflict in Cameroon has resulted in significant human rights abuses, displacement, and loss of life. While various stakeholders have been involved in efforts to resolve the conflict, the role of traditional authorities in peace building has been largely ignored.

Traditional authorities hold customary power and are recognized by their communities, making them potentially influential actors in conflict resolution and reconciliation. However, there is a lack of understanding of their potential contributions to peace building, particularly in the context of the Anglophone crisis.

This study seeks to address this gap in the literature by exploring the role of traditional authorities in peace building in Cameroon, with a focus on the Anglophone armed conflict.

1.3 Research Questions

What is the role of traditional authorities in peace building in Cameroon, with a focus on the Anglophone armed conflict?

1.3.1 The Specific Research Questions Are:

1. What is the role of traditional authorities in conflict resolution and peace building in Cameroon, particularly in the context of the Anglophone armed conflict?
2. What challenges do traditional authorities face in promoting peace and reconciliation in the conflict-affected areas of the Anglophone region?
3. How do traditional authorities interact with the government and other stakeholders in the conflict resolution process?

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