"The Anglophone Conflict Will be Resolved in the Months Ahead", Thierry Marchand, French Ambassador to Cameroon

"The Anglophone Conflict Will be Resolved in the Months Ahead", Thierry Marchand, French Ambassador to Cameroon

Colbert Gwain @The Colbert Factor 

The French Ambassador to Cameroon, H.E. Thierry Marchand, has hinted that the eight-year-old Anglophone conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many more in Cameroon's two English-speaking regions, may soon come to an end. During his second visit to Bamenda on Thursday, February 27, 2025, Ambassador Marchand stated that France, along with the entire European Union, would work diligently to contribute to the reconstruction and reconciliation of the people of the two regions after the conflict had come to a satisfactory end. While he refrained from providing details on what Cameroon's bilateral and multilateral partners were doing to bring the conflict to an end, he, however, emphasized that the conflict remains a Cameroonian issue requiring locally crafted solutions.

Ambassador Marchand's statement offers a glimmer of hope for a region that has been plagued by violence and instability. The fact that France and the European Union are committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict is a positive step towards ending the crisis. However, the success of this endeavor depends on the willingness of all parties involved to work together towards a common goal.

The French Ambassador to Cameroon expressed optimism about France's role in reconciling the people of the two English-speaking regions after the conflict ended. Speaking to the press at the end of his working visit to the Regional Office of the Franco-Alliance center at Bamenda's Veterinary Junction, he highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the North West region as a potential avenue for reconciliation.

The Ambassador emphasized the crucial role the Franco-Alliance center would play in rebuilding the region in the months ahead. He also dispelled common misconceptions about Franco-Alliance centers, noting that they are not solely dedicated to promoting the French language and culture. Instead, these centers exist in English-speaking countries across Africa and work to promote diverse cultures, reflecting France's history of cultural diversity.

H.E. Thierry Marchand expressed satisfaction with the number of youths in Cameroon's two English-speaking regions, particularly in Bamenda, who have received assistance from France through the French Cultural Center and other programs. He announced to the artists and musicians gathered at the Franco-Alliance center that France would provide additional support to foster the growth of the cultural industry in the region.

Marchand regretted the impact of the ongoing conflict on French investment in the region but remained optimistic that more French projects, including the C2D projects, would soon be underway in Bamenda. This development could potentially revitalize the local economy, which has been severely affected by the seven-year-long Anglophone crisis.

It's worth recalling that during his visit to Cameroon on July 25, 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that greater regionalism was the key to resolving the conflict in Cameroon's two English-speaking regions. Macron's suggestion underscored the importance of regional autonomy and self-governance in addressing the unique challenges faced by the Anglophone regions.

Regionalism, in this context, refers to the decentralization of power and resources from the central government to regional authorities. This approach would enable the Anglophone regions to manage their affairs, address their unique challenges, and preserve their cultural heritage. Regionalism offers a promising solution to the Anglophone conflict in Cameroon. By decentralizing power and resources, regionalism would enable the Anglophone regions to preserve their cultural heritage, promote economic development, and exercise greater autonomy.

France's concern for minority welfare led them to advocate for greater autonomy for Quebec in Canada. Today, residents of the French-speaking region proudly identify as Quebec nationals within a united Canada. This sense of identity is acknowledged by the Canadian government, as evident in the Prime Minister's recognition of Quebecers as Quebec nationals.

As a result, Quebecers enjoy greater autonomy and benefits, including educational opportunities in France, funded by the Quebec government. They also participate in international events, such as the 'Jeux de la Francophonie,' with their team, separate from the Canadian national team. In contrast, Cameroon participates in the Commonwealth Games as a unified team. Furthermore, Quebec's autonomy allows for a distinct nationality code, which determines who can be considered a native of Quebec. This is possible in the Cameroon situation. This. Is. Possible.