Latest Updates on the Anglophone Crisis
1. Stalemate amid intensifying violence and splintered separatists (June 2025)
As of March 2025, observers described the situation in North West and South West regions as a “bloody stalemate”: neither the Cameroonian government nor separatist forces hold a decisive advantage. Inter-factional infighting among Ambazonian groups and increasing rebel-perpetrated violence against civilians complicate the conflict, threatening any potential resolution.
2. New flare-ups in June incidents
A string of recent attacks has renewed tensions:
- June 1: Two separate shootings in Bamenda killed three civilians, and nine schoolchildren traveling from Esu to Wum were harassed by separatists.
- June 15–16: A man was killed near a Bamenda church; later that day, sporadic gunfire in Nkwen injured a woman.
- June 18: Rebels from Bui Unity and Donga Mantung Unity Warriors attacked a military post in Maloun le Petit, killing three soldiers and wounding two.
These incidents underscore how violence remains pervasive, even amid talk of calm.
3. Fracturing separatist movements & rebel surrenders
Amid mounting tension, the Anglophone separatist movement is fragmenting. Some fighters have surrendered to authorities––notably, a delegation of nine separatists officially laid down arms, reflecting internal disillusionment or strategic recalibration (cameroononline.org). Yet despite such surrenders, violence continues in pockets, highlighting a complex and diffusion-prone insurgency.
4. Humanitarian impact and societal resilience
According to the Global Campaign for Peace & Justice in Cameroon (GCPJC):
- Over 6,000 killed, and 700,000 internally displaced, with around 70,000 refugees in Nigeria.
- A massive educational loss: schools have been shuttered for years, depriving hundreds of thousands of children of learning.
- Economic fallout: persistent violence, “ghost towns,” and internet shutdowns have debilitated local economies (cameroonnewsagency.com, jhumanitarianaction.springeropen.com).
Amnesty and humanitarian organizations continue to highlight human rights abuses, especially arbitrary arrests, censorship, and use of military courts against civilians (amnesty.org).
5. Signs of social life returning—yet peace remains distant
In Yaoundé, Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya reports a gradual return of life: shops opening, weddings proceeding, and people moving freely into the evenings. But he warns that this “calm” is likely only an uneasy détente—not genuine peace. Bishop Agapitus Nfon echoes this sentiment, noting that without addressing core grievances—marginalization, radicalized youth, lack of opportunity—violence will persist.
6. Political crackdowns and media restrictions
Press freedom has deteriorated. Ahead of the presidential and legislative elections later in 2025, journalist harassment, censorship, and risks of arrest or violence have skyrocketed. Cameroon ranks 131st in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting a harsh media environment (en.wikipedia.org).
7. 2025 elections loom amid crisis
The 2025 triple elections (presidential, parliamentary, municipal) are under serious threat. The GCPJC warned in May that without a ceasefire and meaningful dialogue, these elections could be severely disrupted, undermining economic stability and eroding democratic processes (cameroonnewsagency.com). Moreover, President Paul Biya’s re-election bid in October has sparked separatist calls for an election boycott in the Anglophone regions.
8. International mediation under strain
Canada has floated a peace process involving Cameroon’s government and several separatist factions—including the Ambazonia Defence Force and the Ambazonia Governing Council. Technical committees were formed in early 2023. However, as of April 2025, mediators express frustration over Yaoundé’s intransigence, with the government showing little inclination to compromise (africanews.com).
9. Militarized responses continue
Cameroonian forces recently intensified raids in Anglophone regions:
- In Mbonge, earlier in 2025, one notable separatist commander (“Field Marshal Millipede”) surrendered after pressure.
- Meanwhile, locals collaborated with security forces in high-profile operations, such as the October 2024 Bombanda raid that eliminated nine rebel commanders.
This illustrates active military and civilian resistance—but also potential for reprisals and cycles of violence.
Outlook & Analysis
| Dimension | Status & Outlook |
|---|---|
| Security | Ongoing violence marks a fragile stalemate. June flare-ups show potential for escalation. |
| Humanitarian | Massive displacement and disruptions to life remain; peace talks have stalled. |
| Politics | 2025 elections are at risk; government appears unwilling to tackle root issues. |
| Media | Press severely constrained, limiting transparency and civic engagement. |
| Dialogue | International mediation stalled; Biya’s government remains rigid. |
Despite localized improvements in social activity, the Anglophone Crisis continues to inflict deep human suffering and systemic disruptions. Without meaningful political resolution—grounded in dialogue, justice, and education—the fragile calm risks collapsing once more.
What to Watch Next
- June–July 2025: Will military offensives continue following recent attacks?
- Election period (October 2025): Will violence spike, or will there be a credible boycott?
- Mediation efforts: Any breakthrough in international talks?
- Human rights: Monitoring civilian protection and journalist safety.
In summary, while pockets of calm are emerging, the Anglophone Crisis remains deeply unresolved—characterized by ongoing violence, fractured politics, and widespread suffering. A genuine peace will require more than temporary ceasefires—it demands structural change, trust, and true dialogue.