Archbishop Andrew Nkea: Genuine Dialogue, Not Force, Will End the Crisis

Archbishop Andrew Nkea: Genuine Dialogue, Not Force, Will End the Crisis  

The 6th session of the Follow-up Committee meeting of the Major National Dialogue opened today in Yaoundé. The meeting is chaired by Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, Prime Minister and Head of Government.  

Speaking at the session, His Grace Andrew Nkea, leading the religious groups of the North West and South West Regions, acknowledged that while some timid progress has been made, certain areas in these regions remain affected by roadblocks. These are sometimes not physical barriers but rather situations where Ambazonian fighters, euphemistically referred to as "the boys," continue to exert control. He also highlighted ongoing kidnappings and killings, stating:  

"Our boys believe the government is not truly committed to solving this problem. Some feel that while many declarations are made on radio, television, and in newspapers, little is actually implemented."  

He emphasised that religious leaders serve only as facilitators and cannot make any pledges on behalf of the state. "We can only go out with camwood, wash and rub their feet, pray with them, and urge them to stop killing their own," he said.  

He called on members of the Follow-up Committee to recognise that dialogue must take place with adversaries, not just allies. "The boys feel you are merely talking among yourselves or to your friends," he warned, urging the government to step beyond these meetings and engage directly with the fighters. He stressed that religious leaders can only facilitate the process.  

He further revealed that both Ambazonian fighters and the leadership they have met believe that some members of the government want the crisis to continue and are actively obstructing genuine dialogue. This perception, he warned, fuels distrust and complicates efforts towards a peaceful resolution.  

However, he pointed to a sign of progress, stating: "Your Excellency,  honourable Prime Minister and Head of Government, you could tell the floor that one indication of advancement is that some of the "boys" compatriots had expressed interest in attending this Follow-up Committee meeting." This, he suggested, demonstrates a willingness, albeit cautious, from some actors to engage in the dialogue process.  

Regarding decentralisation and special status, he insisted that it must be made visible, noting that while many speeches have been given, concrete results remain limited. He appreciated the ongoing reconstruction programmes but called for greater efforts, as this would help rebuild the trust that has been lost between the government and the affected populations.  

He concluded by asserting that force alone will not resolve the crisis in the North West and South West Regions—only genuine dialogue can. "All wars, including the First and Second World Wars, ended at the negotiating table. The Ambazonians are ready for meaningful dialogue, and we, as religious leaders, can facilitate it," he stated.  

In response, the Prime Minister and Head of Government commended the efforts of religious leaders. He confirmed that the report on their initial outreach, as mandated by the 5th session of the Follow-up Committee in Buea, had been submitted to him and subsequently transmitted to the President of the Republic, who acknowledged and encouraged them to continue their efforts—albeit within the framework of the Major National Dialogue.  

Another speaker, the Governor of the South West Region, Mr Bernard Okalia Bilai, noted that while progress has been made, there has been a rise in banditry, which he attributed to Ambazonian fighters. He also observed that these fighters have now become involved in the cocoa sector, engaging in both planting and sales. However, he acknowledged that Manyu Division, particularly Akwaya Subdivision, remains a challenge. Despite this, he affirmed that government institutions are operational throughout the region.

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