Security in Cameroon: a growing risk of persistent insurgency

What is Cameroon's current security situation, and how is it likely to change in the future? Cameroon faces internal insurgencies, conflicts in neighbouring states and an impending power transition. In this commentary we provide a holistic account of the security issues facing Cameroon, drawing...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian journal of African studies 2023-01, Vol.57 (1), p.219-236
Main Authors: Lekunze, Manu, Page, Ben
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accentuation
Africa
Afrique
Attention
Cameroon
Cameroun
Government
insurgency
insurrection
National security
Political risk
Rebellions
stability
stabilité
sécurité nationale
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Summary:What is Cameroon's current security situation, and how is it likely to change in the future? Cameroon faces internal insurgencies, conflicts in neighbouring states and an impending power transition. In this commentary we provide a holistic account of the security issues facing Cameroon, drawing particular attention to five recent trends: the decline of rural governance; a shift in the pattern of ethnic competition; a reduced government capacity; the negative consequences of coup-proofing; and an emerging multipolar international system undermining Cameroon's diplomatic strategy. Contrary to accounts that highlight the risk of general civil war, we argue that Cameroon's government retains sufficient "national power" to prevent the centre's collapse. However, we see a heightened risk of persistent insurgencies outside the centre due to multiple grievances and weak counterinsurgency capability. The contradictions of past security policy can no longer be overcome.
ISSN:0008-3968
1923-3051
DOI:10.1080/00083968.2022.2120507