The condemnation of EU-Cameroon business by a former US Secretary of State for African Affairs, Tibor Nagy amidst the unresolved Anglophone crisis likely stems from concerns over human rights violations and instability in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. He (Nagy) took to his X, formerly Twitter on February 18, 2024, to express his thoughts on the EU-Cameroon business dealings. He questioned the legitimacy of the EU’s decision to take part in a “Business Week” with Cameroon to promote trade and investment. He thinks the European Union should be more concerned about prioritizing justice for Ambazonians over new investment.
“So the European Union is having a “Business Week” with Cameroon to promote trade and investment,” he said and questioned, “Wouldn’t it be great for the EU to tell the Cameroon government that it’s not interested in new investments until Cameroon treats Ambazonians with justice?”
The Anglophone crisis refers to the ongoing conflict between English-speaking regions of Cameroon and the Francophone-dominated government. This crisis has resulted in significant violence, displacement of civilians, and allegations of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and arbitrary arrests.
Former US officials, as well as international human rights organizations, have frequently criticized the Cameroonian government’s handling of the crisis and have called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and respect for human rights.
The condemnation of EU-Cameroon business could be seen as a way to pressure the European Union and other international actors to reconsider their economic relationships with Cameroon until meaningful steps are taken to address the Anglophone crisis and improve the human rights situation in the country, said Nagy Tibor. This may include calls for increased accountability for human rights abuses, efforts to facilitate dialogue between the government and Anglophone separatist groups, and support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation in the region.