Since 2017, Cameroon has faced a civil war that has weaponized education, leading to the deprivation of educational rights for over 700,000 students. The conflict arose from grievances regarding the marginalization of anglophones, prompting violent governmental responses and the rise of separatist groups. The need for both parties to cease using education as a weapon is critical, as is the call for international support to restore educational opportunities.
Since 2017, Cameroon has been embroiled in a devastating civil war that has weaponized education, leading to countless civilian casualties. The conflict has forcibly deprived hundreds of thousands of students of their right to education. This tragic scenario necessitates a reconsideration by both parties involved, as utilizing education as a tool of war results in mutual detriment without any victor.
The anglophone crisis in Cameroon originated in October 2016, when protests arose among lawyers in the Northwest and Southwest regions concerning the appointment of francophone judges to English-speaking areas. Protesters highlighted their lack of understanding of English and Common Law. Teachers subsequently expressed concerns about their inability to assign French-speaking educators to English-speaking schools effectively.
Rather than addressing these legitimate grievances, the government’s violent suppression of protests led to the deaths of many. This brutality provoked more English speakers, including university students, to join the teachers in their outcry against the marginalization of anglophones. Consequently, separatist factions emerged, advocating for the independence of Ambazonia, a proposed state encompassing the two English-speaking regions.
The United Nations reported that since the onset of the crisis, over 700,000 students in Cameroon have had their education disrupted. The dreams and futures of an entire generation are jeopardized. Accountability for this educational catastrophe lies with both parties, as separatist groups have enforced school boycotts and targeted educational institutions, while government forces have failed to protect schools and employed excessive force.
Children in the Northwest and Southwest regions confront tragic choices. Those enrolled in schools risk violent retribution from separatist forces, while those who stay home face bleak futures. Available data indicated that only about ten percent of schools were operational during the 2018/2019 academic year, forcing many teachers to flee the regions amid ongoing threats.
As of early 2025, some areas within the anglophone regions are slowly reopening but remain largely nonfunctional due to separatist violence. Local reports indicate that most educational facilities remain closed while communities grapple with poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate access to essential needs. Many children, deprived of educational opportunities, have been coerced into child labor or recruitment by armed groups, risking exposure to gender-based violence and mental trauma that will resonate through generations.
The human cost of this conflict is profound, and I experienced it personally when my father, a man who overcame great obstacles to educate himself, was killed amid the unrest. As a beneficiary of educational opportunities and international studies, I understand education’s transformative power. In memory of my father, I established the Jumbam Family Foundation to provide scholarships for students affected by this crisis, aiding their return to education.
We have relocated some students to safer areas, allowing them to pursue their education despite the emotional toll of displacement. While local churches and community organizations have initiated similar programs, these endeavors only reach a small fraction of those affected. Both the government and separatist groups must recognize that employing education as a weapon is counterproductive, ultimately crippling their objectives.
To mitigate the current crisis, both sides should agree to establish schools as zones of peace, supported by neutral international oversight. Additionally, investment in infrastructure repair, enhanced security for schools, and comprehensive training programs for teachers, including safety guarantees, are essential. Furthermore, trauma-informed counseling services must be cultivated for students and educators alike.
The global community must also perceive the educational crisis in Cameroon as a humanitarian emergency. Increased or enhanced involvement from the African Union and UN agencies, such as UNICEF, along with support from regional partners like Nigeria and Ghana, is necessary. It is critical to empower grassroots organizations to expand educational initiatives in afflicted areas.
Ultimately, the legacy of this war will be evaluated not only by the lives lost but also by unfulfilled potentials and deferred dreams. We cannot sacrifice another generation’s future due to ongoing political strife. It is imperative that all parties acknowledge the detrimental impact of making education a casualty of war.
The educational crisis in Cameroon due to the civil war has dire implications for future generations. The use of education as a weapon only hampers efforts for justice and unity. Both the government and separatist factions must collaborate to facilitate safe educational environments while the global community enhances support for humanitarian efforts. Acknowledging the importance of education is crucial in rebuilding a peaceful and prosperous future for affected children.
Original Source: allafrica.com
