AN APPRAISAL OF HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS IN CONFLICT ZONES IN CAMEROON: A CASE STUDY OF THE SOUTH WEST

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Globally, there has been a surge in the number and severity of conflicts, leading to unprecedented levels of displacement, violence, and humanitarian need. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA 2020), more than 235 million people worldwide require humanitarian assistance and protection, with conflicts being a primary driver of humanitarian needs.  Similarly Osagae (2022) stated that the consequences of violence continue to deepen around the world, with widespread displacement, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and devastating impacts on the affected population’s physical and psychological well-being and this has been the case in countries where conflicts and related humanitarian crises have endured for years such as Nigeria, Mali, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, the Syrian Arab Republic, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen. In light of this, humanitarian actors, such as regional inter-governmental organizations and civil society, have assumed greater prominence in the humanitarian sector in recent years. 

While the core humanitarian values underlying activities to promote human welfare and alleviate suffering remain as valid today as ever, the image of the humanitarian system which embodies these values at a global level has been plagued by many challenges (Gemma  2023).  In numerous situations today, the amounts of humanitarian assistance being provided are largely inadequate. Across the board, legal mandates and treaty responsibilities which were once pre-eminent in defining the international response to armed conflicts are being undermined. This shift has been spurred in part by a failure to recognize the protracted nature of crisis and certain new patterns of violence in many of the regions where relief aid is being delivered today. Booth  (2019) stated that in Africa, humanitarian crisis prevailed in countries like Liberia, Sudan and Somalia for periods ranging from a few years to more than a decade. Humanitarian actors continued to leverage long-standing response to these emergencies. This included having a field presence before, during and after emergencies, delivering multi-sectoral support, harnessing its vast network of partners, which includes: governments, civil society, communities and private sector partners, and leading or co-leading the water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition and education clusters, and the child protection area of responsibility. 

Contextually, in Cameroon, since October 2016 humanitarian actors have been very instrumental in humanitarian missions in the crisis-stricken regions (north-west and south-west). This crisis resulted from peaceful demonstrations about sectoral demands that later degenerated into a socio-political crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon (CREDP, 2018). The crisis which started with well-founded socio-professional grievances by the Lawyers and the Teachers trade unions took an another turn when political interest groups later hijacked the genuine struggle and took interest in social unrest. The crisis led to the reemergence of the question of the marginalization of the people of the former British Southern Cameroons and highlighted the limits of the Cameroonian governance in addressing the problem. The crisis was further escalated by the radicalization of its proponents mainly due to the government’s response is denial, disregard, intimidation and repression. 

Overtime, the dwindling trust between the population and the government aggravated the population’s resentment to the point that probably most people of the former British Southern Cameroons saw a return to federalism or even secession as the only feasible ways out of the crisis. In 2017, the crisis in Cameroon’s north-west and south-west regions degenerated into an armed conflict with constant attacks on state army and security elements by non-state armed men. The constant tension created by the attacks and counter-attacks between both camps created an uneasy atmosphere for civilians, followed by humanitarian challenges. It is against this backdrop that this study examines the role of humanitarian actors in addressing the humanitarian challenges faced by both regions in conflict.

Statement of Problem

The Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon have experienced armed conflict over the last seven years, characterized by mass displacement and limited access to health care and social amenities. In response, an emergency intervention programme called “rapid response mechanism” (RRM) was initiated to provide lifesaving services to internally displaced persons. Otuekong (2022) asset that the intervention was multi-sectoral and included a health component, nutrition, water hygiene and sanitation, and child protection. Humanitarian interventions has served rural communities marked with high levels of insecurity, poor telecommunication networks and limited geographical access. 

Although humanitarian interventions play a crucial role in alleviating suffering and addressing urgent needs. Anderson (2018) in his study argued that the effectiveness of such interventions in contexts marked by protracted conflicts, such as Cameroon, remains questionable. According to a report by OCHA (2021), the lack of coordination among humanitarian actors and government agencies hampers the delivery of aid and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis. Additionally, Wilfred (2023) examines the probable values and weaknesses plaguing the civil society in Cameroon contending that due to the pressures of obtaining and maintaining funding, less effort is placed on management leading to a lack of accountability and inefficiency in services offered to the public. More so Ochanya (2020) pointed at the allegations of politicization and partiality in aid distribution which further undermine the credibility and impartiality of humanitarian interventions in Cameroon. Thus, despite the presence of numerous humanitarian organizations in Cameroon's conflict-affected regions, there is limited empirical evidence evaluating the impact and outcomes of their interventions. Upon this premise, the study seeks to appraise humanitarian interventions in conflict zones in Cameroon

1.3 Objectives of The study

The broad objective of the study is focused on an appraisal of humanitarian interventions in conflict zones in Cameroon. Specifically, the study seeks to

Examine the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions in conflict zones across Cameroon

Determine the constraints faced by humanitarian organizations operating in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon.

Ascertain the socio-political factors influencing the effective delivery of humanitarian aid in in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon.

1.4 Research Question

What is the level of effectiveness of humanitarian interventions in conflict zones across Cameroon?

What are the constraints faced by humanitarian organizations operating in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon?

What are the socio-political factors influencing the effective delivery of humanitarian aid in in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: The level of the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions in conflict zones across Cameroon is low 

Hi: The level of the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions in conflict zones across Cameroon is high.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study holds significant practical implications for humanitarian actors, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in conflict resolution efforts. By meticulously evaluating the effectiveness and challenges of humanitarian interventions in Cameroon's conflict zones, the study offers actionable insights to improve aid delivery strategies. These insights can inform the development of more responsive and context-specific approaches to address the urgent needs of affected populations. Moreover, by shedding light on coordination issues and operational constraints faced by humanitarian organizations, the study can foster better collaboration among stakeholders, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and impact of humanitarian response efforts in Cameroon. This practical significance is underscored by the potential to mitigate human suffering, protect vulnerable populations, and contribute to peacebuilding and stability in conflict-affected regions.

The theoretical significance of the study lies in its contribution to advancing scholarly knowledge in the field of humanitarian studies. By delving into the complexities of humanitarian interventions within the specific context of Cameroon's conflict zones, the study enriches theoretical frameworks and concepts related to humanitarian action in diverse cultural and political settings. Moreover, by addressing existing gaps in research on humanitarian interventions in African contexts, the study expands the academic discourse and provides valuable empirical evidence to inform future studies and debates in the field. By bridging theory and practice, the study not only enhances our understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in humanitarian interventions but also lays the groundwork for more informed and effective approaches to humanitarian action in similar conflict settings globally.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of the study borders on an appraisal of humanitarian interventions in conflict zones in Cameroon. The content scope focuses on the roles and activities of various humanitarian actors operating in Cameroon's conflict zones including international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, local community-based organizations, and other stakeholders involved in providing humanitarian assistance and protection to affected populations. The study will assess the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions in conflict zones, examine the constraints faced by humanitarian organizations operating in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon and ascertain the socio-political factors influencing the effective delivery of humanitarian aid in in conflict-affected regions of Cameroon.

The geographical boundaries of the study will focus on South-West regions affected by ongoing conflicts with reference Kumba City in Meme which has experienced significant unrest and insecurity as a result of clashes between armed separatist groups and government forces.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Like every academic endeavor, the study’s constraint will center around difficulties in accessing reliable data due to security risks and logistical challenges in conflict-affected regions thus only limited sample will be used for the study dependent on accessibility and availability of participant. This implies that findings of the study will not serve as a basis for generalization outside the region under study. More so, another constrain is in potential scarcity of comprehensive and up-to-date data sources, language and cultural barriers impacting communication with local communities, political sensitivities that may result in pressure or restrictions from authorities, and temporal limitations that might overlook historical context or recent developments.

Despite these limitations, the researcher will carefully maintain ethical consideration which are essential for ensuring the study's integrity and providing valuable insights on the study.

1.9 Definition of terms

Humanitarian Interventions: Actions taken by humanitarian organizations, governments, or other actors to provide aid, assistance, and protection to people affected by crises such as armed conflicts, natural disasters, and emergencies. Humanitarian interventions aim to alleviate suffering, address basic needs, and protect human rights in crisis-affected areas.

Conflict Zones: Geographical areas characterized by ongoing armed conflict, violence, or instability. Conflict zones may encompass regions experiencing civil wars, insurgencies, ethnic or sectarian violence, or other forms of armed conflict, leading to humanitarian crises and displacement of populations.