National dialogue as a strategy for intra-state conflict resolution in Africa: the case study of Anglophone Cameroon

Abstract

Even though National Dialogue is known to have played a significant role in intra-state conflict resolution in Africa, in Cameroon, its effectiveness was reduced due to lack of inclusivity and failure to address the root cause of the conflict. This study sought to establish the effectiveness of National Dialogue as a strategy for resolving intra-state conflict in African states, with the key focus being Cameroon. In order to attain this end, the study was guided by three specific objectives: to investigate the effectiveness of National Dialogue as a method of intra-state conflict resolution in Africa; to assess the role of external actors in the National Dialogue in intra-state conflict resolution in the Anglophone Cameroon conflict; and to evaluate the challenges and opportunities of National Dialogue as a strategy for intra-state conflict resolution in the Anglophone Cameroon conflict. The theoretical framework of this study is premised on theory of problem solving in advancing inclusivity in conflicts resolution. This theory focuses more on changing conflicts into constructive summation that brings transitions in the society or crisis situations. This study undertakes a case study method approach that facilitates and ventilates an up-close, in-depth and comprehensive investigation of the subject study. The case study also facilitates examinations that are carried out on every phenomenon of interest in this research within its actual-life context. The study is conducted in Southern Cameroon, commonly known as Amba Land, or Ambazonia, a self-declared state of the Anglophones. This study targeted personnel who participated in the 2019National Dialogue process in Cameroon in both Anglophone and Francophone regions, Political parties officials, University of Nairobi Academicians undertaking conflict management and International relations, Ministry of National Security of Cameroon, experts in conflict resolution and in addition to key informants from the Cameroonian embassy. The study targeted a total sample of 306 participant captured using questionnaires and interview guide. Data was analyzed using SPSS and content analysis and presented in the form of tables, graphs and through narratives.The findings to this study reflects the same state across Africa’s National dialogues which were largely characterized by numerous inefficiencies and challenges in tackling the continuous intra-state conflicts. The major challenges identified are lack of inclusivity as many opposition leaders and activists of the Anglophone region are either detained or sort asylum abroad, lack of identity for the root cause of the intra-state conflict, a top down approach by government leading the entire process, and lack of involvement of external actors during the process. On the other hand opportunities identified by majority of the respondents are holding subsequent collective dialogue from the grassroots, peace transition of statehood by Anglophone region and an inclusive and sustainable human development for all, In Conclusion, national dialogue is an increasingly popular tool for conflict resolution and political transformation. It has broadened debate regarding a country’s trajectory beyond the usual elite decision makers. However, it can also be misused and manipulated by leaders to consolidate their power.