The Anglophone crisis in Cameroon has been spiraling since 2016. The conflict emanated from peaceful protests organized by lawyers and teachers in the Anglophone regions in 2016. It has since then transformed into an armed conflict between separatist and government forces. The conflict has led to several deaths, thousands displaced, and many more illegally arrested and detained.
Over time, sexual violence, particularly on young girls, has emerged as a punishment for opposing armed groups or government forces.
Sexual violence, particularly rape, has become a horrifying weapon in the crisis. Over the past six years, women who defy armed groups or government troops, partake in advocacy efforts, violate ghost towns, or resist complying with separative directives, often face cruel sexual attacks as a means of penalization and coercion. In some instances, young girls have been forced to have sex to get through a security check point.
Despite ongoing appeals for a comprehensive dialogue to address the crisis, the situation in the Anglophone regions remains unresolved. The deployment of sexual violence as a weapon persists, wreaking havoc on the lives of women in these areas. The strategic use of rape and other forms of sexual violence in this context is an illustration of the larger breakdown in the rule of law. It also shows how different actors appear to systematically use it as a strategic tool to intimidate and humiliate the civilian population; particularly those demanding justice.
Reports from local humanitarian organizations such as Alliance for Sustainable Development suggest that government forces have also used rape as a form of collective punishment during military raids on villages suspected to be harboring separatist fighters. During these raids, soldiers often target women and girls. In different localities in Bafut in the Northwest region and Mamfe in the southwest region, many cases have been identified which have neither been investigated nor publicly denounced.
Furthermore, separatist fighters have also used sexual violence to punish women suspected of collaborating with government forces or those who refuse to adhere to separatist-imposed boycotts and rules. In some cases, women have been raped or threatened with rape for sending their children to school in defiance of separatists’ instructions.
Moreover, security forces have accused women of aiding separatists by providing food, shelter, or information. These women have been subjected to sexual violence, often conducted in front of family members to create fear and dehumanize them. The fear of sexual violence serves as a significant deterrent for many women who might otherwise engage in activism. This form of punishment serves to reinforce the idea that women must adhere to the societal expectations dictated by the warring factions.
Additionally, female activists and local humanitarian actors working in these regions have not been spared from the violence. Women who are politically engaged or vocal on the situation have been targeted. For instance, women participating in peace activism or advocating for a resolution to the conflict have been subject to harassment, threats, and sexual assault by both separatists and government forces. These practices do not only stifle women’s voices and their agency, but also exacerbate their marginalization in peace-building initiatives.
Impacts of sexual violence in Cameroon’s Anglophone Crisis
High Levels of early pregnancies: The increasing rate of sexual and gender-based violence in Cameroon’s Anglophone Crisis has led to high levels of early pregnancies in the regions affected. According to Human Rights Watch there is a significant rise in teenage pregnancy rates since 2016. These premature and unwanted pregnancies have consequently contributed to an increased number of school dropouts among young females and adolescents. This alarming trend is anticipated to further aggravate poverty levels in the region in the years to come.
Health Consequences: The surge in unprotected sexual activity has led to a heightened risk of health issues relating to STDs. Many early pregnancies in the conflict affected regions are a result of girls being sexually assaulted by non-state armed groups or government forces. In the absence of a strong social justice system, many young girls are left at the mercy of armed groups and security forces who exploit their vulnerability. The psychological trauma inflicted on these girls, who have given birth to children conceived through rape and face the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases in the process, demands urgent attention and intervention.
Stigmatization of victims: The stigma surrounding sexual violence and mental health issues have deter victims from discussing or reporting their experiences and seeking help. In some situations, family members have discouraged them to do so for fear of stigma or losing custody of the child in future. In Cameroon, researchers at the Nkafu Policy Institute suggests that most victims of sexual and gender-based violence faces mental health challenges and are less likely to recount their experiences in public, hence the risk of developing a major depression or commit suicide.
Possible suggestions
Need for improvement in government responses: Government responses to sexual violence in the Anglophone crisis has been inadequate despite multiple reports published by rights groups on the issue. Soldiers and security forces accused of rape are rarely held accountable or taken to public courts for justice. Even so, the government has often denied or downplayed the extent of these violations. This lack of accountability perpetuates a culture of silence and fear, where survivors are discouraged from reporting assaults due to the absence of justice. Thus, there is a high need for improvements in government responses to these abuses.
Naming and shaming: Civil society organizations and rights activists should consider developing community-based initiatives for monitoring and addressing cases of sexual and gender-based violence, promoting collective responsibility and action against offenders. These actions could include publicly naming and shaming perpetrators. Additionally, establishing an online public database or registry that lists convicted perpetrators could raise public awareness and deter potential offenders.
Chiara Tedongafac
Chiara Tedongafac is a dedicated gender activist and a Cameroon-based blogger focusing on the conflict-affected Anglophone regions. With a strong commitment to advocating for gender equity and human rights, she offers her expertise as a freelancer, collaborating with various organizations to drive positive change.
