Situation in Cameroon

MUNiSC Security Council

Forum: Security Council Student Officer: Min Ban, Deputy President

Introduction An old Cameroon proverb goes, “Rain does not fall on one roof alone.” Despite its originality to describe the importance of cooperation and community, this quote rather describes the ongoing crises in Cameroon. The reputation of being one of the most stable nations in the continent is now put into shade. Extremist groups in Lake Chad Basin have spread internationally over Nigeria and Chad as well as Cameroon. The civil war between the anglophone The national flag of Cameroon minorities and the government has resulted in large casualties and economic damage. In the anglophone regions, government security forces have inhumanly arrested, tortured and executed the detainees; likewise, the anglophone separatists executed guerilla attacks and arsons on the security forces. The infamous terrorist group Boko Haram raged their presence in northern Cameroon, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands of displaced residents and refugees. The president of Cameroon, Paul Biya, was re-elected for the seventh term of seven years. When Paul’s rival candidate, Maurice Kamto, contested the results of the election claiming that it was altered, the Biya administration arrested pro-Kamto protestors. The rain certainly did not fall on one roof only. It fell on the politics of Cameroon, the society of Cameroon and the economy of Cameroon, endangering the presence of the nation. The rain did not only fall on the roof of Cameroon either. The Boko Haram and related Lake Chad crises endanger the surrounding nations of Sahel region – Nigeria, Niger, and Chad. Measures have to be taken to resolve the unhumanitarian condition of these regions.

Background The arduous situation in Cameroon roots from 1916 when World War I ended. Prior to the official ceasefire, Britain and France successfully took over Cameroon, which was ruled by Germany from 1884. Britain claimed ten percent of the territory, and France claimed the other ninety percent of the land. In 1922, according to the Versailles treaty signed by the League of Nations, both countries were granted mandates, each naming their territory “Cameroons” and “Cameroun” respectively. However, the independence movement by the Camerounians from the French government was set ablaze during World War II. As a result, the French territory of Cameroon became independent in 1960 while the British part became subordinate to British Nigeria. The

citizens newly established a nation called the Republic of Cameroon, electing Ahmadou Ahidjo as the first president. Since the independence of the Nigerian Federation, the British part of Cameroon broke away from the Federation of Nigeria in 1961, and in 1972, southern and northern Cameroon together newly established the “United Republic of Cameroon.” In 1984, Paul Biya was elected as the next president, and he changed the nation’s name again to the Republic of Cameroon. This fifty-year long separation into reigns of two different countries – Britain and France- has resulted in disharmony of language Regions surrounding Lake Chad and culture, now leading to the anglophones’ struggle. More recently, the radical Islamist group called Boko Haram shaped up and exerted violence around northern Cameroon starting from 2009. Affiliating with the Islamic State (ISIS), the Boko Haram claimed its own Islamic caliphate in the northern Nigeria region and eventuated to kill nearly 25,000 people. The Cameroon military force, united with those of Niger, Chad, Nigeria, and Benin with support from the U.S., UK, and France, has forcedly pushed Boko Haram out and liberated major towns. However, traversing the border and reaching the Lake Chad basin, where no state touching its border has a political presence, the Boko Haram began to regrow. The strategy of using ungoverned areas was proven successful and eventually stretched into other regions. By now, the whole Sahel region is occupied by terrorist groups and is still expanding at a staggering pace, threatening the safety of Cameroon residents as well. According to an amendment made in 1996, Cameroon is a nation with a presidential system and centralized authority, having seven-year terms for presidents and a direct election process. Currently, Paul Biya was re-elected for his seventh term. Internationally, he is one of the representative figures who are known for maintaining dictatorship through fabricated votes. For protecting himself from any political attacks and accusations, Biya also has passed an amendment that prevents the opposing party from indicting him. Dictatorship by Biya has been causing corruption and humanitarian issues in the past decades.

Problems Raised The situation in Cameroon can be categorized and clarified into these different issues.

Terrorism Boko Haram, the major terrorist group affecting Cameroon and surrounding nations, possesses an excessive amount of military force that can threaten any African The notorious Boko Haram

© MUNiSC 2020 MUNiSC Security Council nations. The consequences of their terrorist movements have profoundly damaged the Cameroon citizens. The United Nations Human Rights Watch (UNHRW) estimated that as of November, more than 244,000 civilians were displaced in north Cameroon, and more than 437,500 refugees occurred in the Anglophone area. About 326,000 Cameroonians found refuge in Nigeria. In the past few years, this extremist group was brought forth to international pressure. Military interventions from surrounding nations, such as Cameroon and Mali, supported by other international powers such as the United Kingdom and France and the dispatchment of the UN Peacekeeping force into northern Mali, have contributed to limiting the damages of Boko Haram’s actions. However, despite international efforts, problems remain significant. As of August 2019, the UN reported that Boko Haram killed 27,000 civilians during the past decade.

Civil War: Anglophone Crisis The Anglophone crisis, also known as the Cameroonian Civil War or the Ambazonia War, is a conflict in Southern Cameroon (Anglophone Cameroon), an eventual outburst of the decades- long Anglophone problem. As mentioned, the linguistic and cultural differences between the British territory and French territory were irreconcilable. An anonymous journalist from Cameroon reported that “The bi-cultural differentiation of education in Cameroon is not only the question of language but more importantly a heritage of cultural and ethical values.” The anglophones numerically and geographically are the minority, consisting of Anglophone and Francophone Cameroon about one-fifth of the nation. In 2016, anglophone lawyers and teachers staged a strike action, protesting against the laws which invite francophone officials and the French language to the courts of Anglophone regions. In October 2017, the anglophone (or the separatist) leaders declared the independence of Anglophone Cameroon and the establishment of a new nation called “Ambazonia.” (Anglophone Cameroon is referred to as both West Cameroon and South Cameroon. The map shows why.) However, the government of Cameroon displayed their unwillingness to confer with the strikers through unjustifiable answers. The government security forces exerted violence against the anglophones: murder, rape, brutal arrests, intimidation, and banning anglophone organizations and consortiums. The UNHRW reported that “During demonstrations in late 2017, government forces used live ammunition, including from helicopters, against demonstrators and bystanders, killing at least a dozen people and injuring scores.” The separatists failed to respond with non-violence as well.

Unhumanitarian Conditions Under terrorist attacks and damages from the civil war, the humanitarian conditions of Cameroonian residents are gradually worsening. The United Nations Development Program, in

© MUNiSC 2020 MUNiSC Security Council its 2018 statistical update, reported that the HDI (Human Development Index) level of Cameroon is ranked at the 151st in the world, and about 20 percent below the average of medium HDI level. Acknowledging that HDI is calculated on the base of three big standards – a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living – it is not difficult to figure out that the Cameroonian citizens’ condition of living is poor. Despite the abundance of natural resources, Cameroon’s unemployment rate is significantly high as well; nine of every Cameroon's HDI and that of other African nations twenty Cameroonian citizens can be (UNDP) considered unemployed. About eleven of every twenty citizens fall under the global poverty standard, which means that they live below the budget of 1.9 dollars a day. The literacy rate of 68 percent and the mean schooling years of 6.3 years out of the expected 12.2 years are well below the African expectation nowadays. This is largely due to Cameroon’s schools closing as a result of the Ambazonia war. Quality educations are probably the most difficult to bring forth to Cameroon, considering the rabid difference of education goals in the anglophone and francophone regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) report in 2016 claimed that about 650,000 citizens of Cameroon are infected by HIV. 45,000 new infectees and 33,000 related deaths were reported solely in that year. One of four sex workers, one of three LGBT people, and one of every twenty-five prisoners are the main victims of this fatal disease. Third world diseases resulting from poor sanitation and weak immunity, such as malaria, yellow fever, and sleeping sickness are prevalent in Cameroon, contributing to the extremely low life expectancy of 58.6 as compared to the world’s medium life expectancy of 69.1 years.

Political Corruption One of the reasons that the situation in Cameroon is becoming incurable is prevalent corruption. The Transparency International reported that “Cameroon scored 25 points out of 100 on the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index.” This is ranked 152nd among all nations in the world. The president, Paul Biya, who has been dictating for over three decades, was recently re- elected for another seven-year term. International media claimed that he offered decent bribes to the International Electoral Watch Group (IEWG) in Paul Biya, the president of Cameroon 2004. Amnesty International reported that the

Cameroon government has committed illegal executions, arbitrary arrests of reporters and opposing party politicians. They also maintained that infringement on basic human rights such as the freedom of expression and the freedom of assembly is commonplace. For the exclamation point, they insisted that the government of the United States is offering decent financial aids to the Biya administration through the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and African Development Bank just as it provides funds to other dictatorship governments in Africa. As a result of severe corruption, civilians are prone to poverty and unfair tax-welfare distribution.

Previous Attempts Security Council Resolution 1373 The Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), building on the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (1999), calls upon “[member] states to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism, inter alia, by criminalizing the collection and provision of funds for terrorist purposes, and urges them to set up effective mechanisms to freeze funds and other financial assets of persons involved in or associated with terrorism, as well as to prevent those funds from being made available to terrorists.”

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Through its African Program, UNODC “aims to promote capacity building in the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime of the authorities of the region through accessible, effective and accountable criminal justice systems” (UNODC). Security Council Resolution 1373 In 2015, UNODC signed with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in order to settle the foundation for assistance to ECCAS nations. “ECCAS consists of Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe.” (UNODC) This contract signifies as a milestone for bringing technical aid to central Africa's various challenges and maintaining security.

Sanction by the United States of America On November 1st of 2019, the Trump administration declared that the United States government will restrict Cameroon from taking trade benefits with the U.S. This was mainly due to unstopping human rights violations such as illegal execution and arbitrary arrest. It was reported that this trade sanction will be put into action starting from January 1st, 2020.

The Stances of the P5 Nations United States of America As of November 1st, 2019, the Washington Post reported that President Trump

© MUNiSC 2020 MUNiSC Security Council terminated the trade benefits for Cameroon of “persistent human rights violations.” The trade benefit was for the African countries to sell goods to the U.S. on a duty-basis. It was reported that this decision by Trump displays his determination to sanction the Cameroon government of Biya. However, Amnesty International accused the American government of providing financial aid to Biya administration, which is ironical. On the matter of terrorism, the United States government stands significant. In 2017, the United States of America “has promised $60 million to support the Group of Five Sahel States Joint Force’s counter-terrorism efforts.” The United States of America has long been in favor of exerting military forces against terrorist groups under the pretext of “counterterrorism.” The support included dispatchment as well of about 5000 troops to the G5 Sahel nations. Although Cameroon is not a part of the G5 Sahel nations, as the major terrorist group that is being combatted is Boko Haram, this action of the U.S. strongly influences Cameroon.

United Kingdom Despite colonizing southern Cameroon for decades and being the indirect cause of the Anglophone Crisis, the United Kingdom has her hands off from the issue. Insufficient aid and relationship persist between the two countries, the UK yet not incentivized to provide additional help or intervene in Cameroon’s political situation.

France France is particularly closely related to Cameroon, more than any other P5 nations. France is signed in numerous military, economic and cultural agreements. France’s stance is also significant in fighting Boko Haram. France holds an engageable military presence across sub-Saharan Africa, justified by the existence of former French colonies like Cameroon. The interest of France on the situation these regions is evidenced by its military intervention in northern Mali in 2013. The recent attack by the Boko Haram in the French Embassy of Nigeria has eventually led to more engagement of counterterrorism and military actions coming from France. This is demonstrated in the operation “Barkhane.” Although the objective of this operation was to enable nations in sub-Saharan Africa to acquire the capacity to autonomously ensure their security, it was criticized worldwide in its support to the repressive Sahelian governments that lie at the heart of the terrorism problems. Nonetheless, France stands aggressive against terrorism issues, particularly against Boko Haram.

China It is well known that the People’s Republic of China has been investing in infrastructures and factories in African nations. Cameroon is also one of the nations that are largely invested in by China. In 2007, Cameroon and China signed multidimensional economic agreements. China provided $54 million in loans to Cameroon, as well as creating a large sports complex in Yaoundé. China showed its willingness to support Cameroon by providing even more loans. Yet, the political situation or terrorism in this area is not much of a concern for China.

Russian Federation

The Russian Federation does not have strong opinions on the situation of Cameroon. Minor aids and the relationship between the two nations are in a stable place.

Possible Solutions Establishing an International System to Combat Terrorism This is possibly the most comprehensive and effective approach to excise terrorism and extremist groups in the region. Dispatching punitive forces and ensuring that certain actions are taken against groups engaged in causing humanitarian terror or crisis, such a measure is crucial on the behalf of this issue. Cameroon must engage in strengthening its security throughout its borders in order to crumble the connectivity of terrorist groups and effectively continue their struggle against Boko Haram.

Foreign Sanctions/International Pressure As for fighting dictatorship, certain harsh measures would be needed. The U.S. government has set a precedent example for this action, cutting the economic benefit of Cameroon for “persistent human rights violation.” However, sanctions and pressure should be taken with deep consideration. It may result in the damage of innocent civilians, and at worst, a military engagement. It should be considered whether the dictatorship of Paul Biya is brutal and excessive enough – like that of Mobutu Sese Seko of Congo or Muammar al Qaddafi of Libya – that sanctions are worth the risk to be taken. Most importantly, the end of dictatorship can be brought only by the citizens of Cameroon themselves. International pressure is only there to help.

Investments in Agriculture/Mining Cameroon, just like the surrounding nations, is rich in natural resources such as petroleum, iron ore, timber, and hydropower. However, due to the consistent use of firearms and lack of technology, the resources are not put into proper uses. Cameroon also possesses millions of acres of rich land that can be used for agriculture of various forms. Agricultural reforms and effective management of the natural resources would help escalate Cameroon’s economic status. Though the aid Farmers of Cameroon provided by the international community is considerably effective in providing an immediate and short-term remedy, Cameroon has the potential to support their own industries. More long-term and rehabilitative measures, such as support in technological development, would better assist Cameroon in sustaining itself. Combatting governmental and institutional corruption will be a key step in thorough rehabilitation.

Timeline 1916 - British and French army pushes Germany out of Cameroon. 1922 - League of Nations grants mandates of Britain and France on Cameroon. British Cameroon and British Nigeria are ruled as a single colony. 1945 - Mandates are reissued by the United Nations. 1955 - Union des Populations Camerounaises (UPC) begins violent revolt in French Cameroon 1958 - French Cameroon claims self-government and selects Ahmadou Ahidjo as the prime minister. 1960 - French Cameroon becomes independent, now called the Republic of Cameroon. Ahmadou Ahidjo is elected as the president. He puts effort into reuniting the separated British and French Cameroon. 1982 - President Ahidjo resigns unanticipatedly, Prime Minister Paul Biya takes over the presidency. The following year, Ahidjo is exiled to France after Biya accuses him of a coup attempt. 1984 - Biya is reelected as the president with 99.98 percent of the population voting for him. 1994 - Small combats break out between Cameroon and Nigeria over Bakassi Peninsula, which is an oil-rich region. 2011 - Cameroon makes loans from China to build a port at Kribi. National Anti-Corruption Commission of Cameroon reports that about 90 million dollars are missing. 2016 – On October 6th, the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium – consisting of anglophone lawyers and teachers – triggers a massive strike and protests. Throughout November, thousands of protestors are arrested or even executed. 2017 - A committee to negotiate with the protestors is established in January by the Cameroonian government. On September 9th, the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF) is established in South Cameroon as a result of the separatist movement. Throughout the winter, civilian and soldier casualties are prevalent. 2018 - Throughout the Spring, major battles take place. Combats in Mbonge and Muyuka results in nonnegligible deaths. The rest of the year consists of continuous fights, with no victors. 2019 - The trials of separatist leaders begin. Some are executed after the trial, and the civil war is still ongoing – indeed worsening day by day.

Glossary Anglophone Anglophone, by dictionary terms, is defined as “of or relating to speakers of English.” In terms of the situation in Cameroon, anglophone would stand for the western/southern region of Cameroon that once was a territory of the British Empire and still uses English as their official language. Anglophone citizens make up about 20 percent of the Cameroon population.

Francophone Francophone, by dictionary terms, is defined as “of or relating to speakers of French.” On behalf of the situation in Cameroon, francophone would stand for the eastern/northern

© MUNiSC 2020 MUNiSC Security Council region of Cameroon that once was a territory of the French Empire and still uses French as their official language. Francophone citizens make up about 80 percent of the Cameroon population, and President Paul Biya is also a francophone.

Ambazonia The leaders of anglophone separatists have established a new nation apart from Cameroon, as known as the Ambazonia. The name originates from Ambas bay, the former name of Cameroon.

Boko Haram Boko Haram is a branch of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant that emerged from northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. Since its emergence in 2009, Boko Haram was condemned for murder, arson, bombing, and suicide attacks. As of 2017, Boko Haram is the second-deadliest terror group in the world in terms of resulting casualties.

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