The North West region of Cameroon has been at the epicenter of a prolonged crisis that has taken a heavy toll on the local population.
The ongoing conflict, fueled by political, social, and cultural tensions, has left deep scars in the community, with widespread displacement, economic disruption, and a breakdown of trust between different groups.
According to a damning report by Amnesty International, "Amnesty International documented rampant human rights violations and crimes committed by multiple actors in the Anglophone regions.
These actors include defence and security forces, militias, and armed separatists. The atrocities include killings, rapes, burning down of houses, and other abuses against civilians."
However, amidst the turmoil, a growing movement of grassroots peacebuilding initiatives is emerging, driven by the resilience and determination of Bamenda's diverse community members, especially the youth.
These community-led efforts are focused on bridging divides, promoting reconciliation, and paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
"We have organizations like Catholic Relief Services, Reach Out N.G.O, the Movement for Development, Democracy and Transparency Cameroon, and the Cameroon National Youth Council North West Region working in the region and using a community-based approach to try to restore peace and sanity to these communities," says Ndum Charlotte, the Vice President of the Cameroon National Youth Council North West Region.
Through "Community Engagement and Dialogue, promoting Peace Education, Building Mediation and Negotiation skills of Grassroots community Leaders, Economic Empowerment and Awareness-raising," these organizations are working to achieve lasting peace.
"We realized that lasting peace can only be achieved through a bottom-up approach, where the voices and experiences of the community are at the forefront," explains a community leader. "Our goal is to empower local actors and create spaces for open and honest conversations about the challenges we face and the solutions we can collectively build."
it's worth noting that youths from all divisions in the north west region are presently carrying out a one month sporting jamboree which is aimed at promoting peace building and improving social cohesion in our communities.
Amidst the ongoing challenges, personal narratives of resilience and community support have emerged as beacons of hope. One such story is that of Joseph Fru Nde, whose source of livelihood (a taxi) was destroyed as a result of the crisis. Yet, people from different communities came together to help him rebuild from the ashes.
While the grassroots peacebuilding initiatives have been primarily community-driven, the involvement and support from regional, national, and international actors have played a significant role in shaping the dynamics. However, some local leaders have expressed frustration with the perceived lack of attention and resources from the national government.
"We should not forget the aspect of armed conflict, which is a new threat. Cameroon has not experienced it before, and just as the government is having a hard time dealing with the conflict, it's also a novelty for the people," says Ngalle Nelson-Smith, a Peace Activist based in Cameroon.
"It's important that the educational programs or sensitization programs carried out by organizations to enforce civilian protection have to do with the changing of mindsets of the people or the locals in these areas, the need to look for alternative measures in settling their disputes without resorting to outright violence, especially gun violence or the use of arms."
At the same time, there are examples of external engagement that have positively influenced the peacebuilding process, such as the collaboration between UN Women and local communities.
The grassroots peacebuilding initiatives in the North West region have made significant strides in promoting reconciliation and rebuilding trust within the community.
However, the path towards sustainable peace and inclusive development remains fraught with challenges, from the lingering effects of the crisis to the need for more robust support from regional, national, and international stakeholders.
As the diverse community members of North West Cameroon continue to navigate the complexities of the crisis, their stories of resilience and reconciliation stand as a testament to the power of grassroots peacebuilding.
With the right support and a collective commitment to inclusive and solution-oriented narratives, the path towards lasting peace in Bamenda may yet be forged.
By Bamenjo Petronilla