CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background To The Study

In the first place according to Rahim (2011:15), conflict refers to a struggle and clash of interest, opinion or even principles. Conflict will always be found in the society, as the basis of conflict may vary to be personal, racial, caste, political, class, and international.  Conflict may also be emotional, cultural and theoretical, in which academic recognition may or may not be a significant motive.

Conflict has always been part of human existence, it is a disagreement between two parties in which one party feel cheated either through their feelings, needs, interest and concern. Many scholars have view or seen conflict as a disagreement and argument about something important hence said to be negative.

According to Max Locado, conflict remains undoubtedly inevitable as it can be traced since the beginning of man and it can be seen positively as it can be resolved and may leads to sustenance of peace. Meanwhile, there have always been a relationship between media and conflicts; history stipulates that the media has always been the one to promote violence. The impact of the media (Equinox radio and TV) in times of conflict has been evident in many ways.

In addition, these are media that broadcast live from all corners of the world and through the internet, providing access to unfolding events under certain conditions, hence influencing the way such events develop. This has promoted the ideas that the mass media has increased violence in conflict situations.

More so, awareness has equally increase with regards to the role play by civilance population during armed conflicts, whereby they are not considered an idle factor but instead their needs and perception have an important influence upon the success of a mission, affected by the rapid change in technology and the media information is no longer simply describe on scene development but increasingly shape the  dynamics by influencing their opinions and perceptions (Galtung, 2004:12). This has made information to be an important means of welfare used by the government and local authorities everywhere for propaganda of potential in promoting peace and stability.

The policies of the military and that of the press and the public towards media coverage during armed conflicts were influence enormously by their experiences during conflict periods. The role of the media influence was a witness in the conflict by which during the United States (US) intervention in the war due to the significant growth in information posed by the discovery of television (Praege, 1994:217).

Within the intervention by the US, Colonel Harry G.  a battalion and a corps operations officer in the conflict “there is a tendency to blame our problems with the public support of the media…. It was this horror, and not the reporting that influenced the American population.” Hence after the conflict (war) experience discovered that in order to wage a war, they needed to control the power of the media.

The African continent has suffered numerous contemporary armed conflict, most of which has been blamed on the media. The conflict in Africa has played out against the backdrop of poverty, illiteracy and the weak systems of governance, and administrative failures (Zartman, 1995:302). Countries which has experienced such conflict and especially ethnic conflict whose impact extend beyond borders include Rwanda, Congo, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Liberia and Kenya.

To the most recent role of the media in conflict escalation is the Arab Spring in North America and the Middle East. This uprising saw the over throw of Libyan, Tunisia, Egyptian and the Yemen government through mass actions promoted by social media. Also, in Kenya, the hand of the media during elections, conflict cannot be assumed. The mass media in Kenya is highly free and competitive compared to most African countries.

According to the libertarian theory of media reporting, can hardly be exploited for selfish gain by the states and individuals who strive to protect their images in the society. Therefore, the media in such an environment should be encouraged in a political system that should promote democracy, peace and stability in the country.

However, this was not the case in the Kenya 2007 general election which resulted in electoral violence. Now this brings us to the question of what role should the media play in a conflict? Or failed to play in attributes to social responsibility theory.

Conflict reporting is an important aspect in journalism and the media as a whole, as an immense interest to how professional the media tends to report events and situation during conflict periods.

Looking at the case study of the ongoing Anglophone crisis in Cameroon which started in October 2016, it makes one to ask the question that do the media actually play a role in resolving the Conflict. Or do they escalate or de-escalate the violence? And does the media obey the rules in reporting the issues ( in maintaining accuracy, objectives, fairness and balance)

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

The Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon has been ongoing for several years, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement of citizens. The media, particularly Equinox Radio and Television, have played a significant role in shaping public opinion and perception of the conflict. However, little is known about the specific impact of media coverage on the escalation or de-escalation of the crisis.

This research aims to address this gap in knowledge by examining the role of media in the conflict and how it can be leveraged to promote peace and reconciliation. Through a comprehensive analysis of media coverage and interviews with key stakeholders, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between media and conflict and identify strategies for using media to promote positive change.

Ultimately, this research can contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of conflict and inform efforts to resolve the crisis in Cameroon and similar conflicts around the world.

1.3 Research Questions

1. How has Equinox Radio and Television’s coverage of the Anglophone Crisis impacted public opinion and political discourse on the conflict?
2. To what extent has Equinox’s coverage of the Anglophone Crisis influenced the actions and decision-making of government officials and other key stakeholders involved in the conflict?
3. How do different forms of media (i.e. radio, television, social media) differ in their portrayal and impact of the Anglophone Crisis, and what implications does this have for conflict resolution efforts?

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