Cameroon: The Humanitarian Impact of Weaponized Education in Civil Conflict
Cameroon’s civil war since 2017 has weaponized education, disrupting the lives of hundreds of thousands of students. Originating from protests against linguistic injustices, the violence has both government and separatist roots. The ongoing crisis demands urgent international attention and concrete solutions to restore safety and educational opportunities for affected children.
Since 2017, Cameroon has faced a devastating civil war marked by the alarming use of education deprivation as a weapon. This conflict has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and a significant disruption of education for hundreds of thousands of students, highlighting a dire humanitarian crisis. It is essential for both warring factions to reassess their tactics, as the misuse of education ultimately leads to universal suffering.
The crisis in Cameroon originated in October 2016, when lawyers protested against the imposition of francophone magistrates in English-speaking regions, voicing concerns over language and legal system disparities. Educators subsequently joined these protests, opposing French-speaking teachers being assigned to English-speaking schools where they lack the necessary proficiency. Instead of addressing these grievances, the government responded violently, escalating tensions and leading to the formation of separatist movements advocating for the independence of Ambazonia, which covers the two English-speaking regions.
The United Nations reports that the ongoing crisis has disrupted the education of over 700,000 students, stalling their aspirations and futures. Both parties share responsibility for the educational predicament; separatists have enforced school boycotts and targeted educational establishments, while government forces have not sufficiently protected schools, contributing to an environment of fear and volatility.
Additionally, children in the affected regions are confronted with dire choices. Attending school puts them at risk of violence from separatists who perceive education as dissent, while remaining home can lead to lost opportunities. In the 2018/2019 school year, only about ten percent of schools were operational, as many teachers fled due to threats and violence. As of early 2025, some areas are reopening, but significant challenges persist due to ongoing violence.
The ramifications of this war extend beyond immediate losses. The personal impact is profound for many, including the author who lost a father who valued education. The Jumbam Family Foundation was established to provide support and scholarships to students affected by the crisis, helping them to safely pursue their education, yet this initiative can only reach a fraction of those in need.
It is critical for both the government and separatist groups to understand that employing education as a weapon undermines their objectives. True progress cannot come at the expense of children’s futures. Concrete actions are necessary, including establishing schools as neutral zones, repairing infrastructure, and enhancing teacher training programs, along with trauma-informed support for students affected by violence.
Furthermore, the international community must recognize the educational disruption in Cameroon as a genuine humanitarian crisis. Organizations such as the African Union and UNICEF are urged to increase their involvement, while regional allies can provide essential resources. Grassroots organizations also require support to expand their educational initiatives where they are most needed.
Ultimately, the legacy of this ongoing conflict will be determined not only by lives lost but also by the dreams postponed. The sacrifices of future generations cannot continue to be made for political disputes. It is imperative for all involved to realize the far-reaching consequences of losing educational opportunities amidst war and conflict.
The civil war in Cameroon has inflicted profound damage by weaponizing education, affecting hundreds of thousands of students and impeding their futures. Both government and separatist factions must recognize that using education as a tool of war benefits no one. Immediate action is required to safeguard schools, support affected communities, and foster a peaceful educational environment. This crisis demands global attention and intervention to prevent further loss of potential among the youth.
Original Source: allafrica.com
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