Decolonisation and its Impact on Current Crises and Conflicts in Cameroon: A Human Perspective

Abstract

Decolonisation and its Impact on Current Crises and Conflicts in Cameroon: A Human Perspective Cohort 2023 Glasgow Student Number: 2682542R Dublin City University Student Number: 21109214 Charles Student Number: 81422559 Presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of International Master in Security, Intelligence and Strategic Studies Word Count: 22,344 Supervisor: Dr Sarah Leonard (Dublin City University) Date of Submission: 22-07-2023 Abstract Cameroon is currently facing various crises and conflicts that are impacting different regions of the country. The main security challenges in Cameroon are: the Boko Haram insurgency, the Anglophone crisis and the inter-ethnic tensions and conflicts. This dissertation explores the link between the decolonisation in Cameroon and those ongoing crises and conflicts, with a particular focus on the human perspective. It examines how the social and psychological impacts of decolonisation on individuals contributed to the emergence of those security issues. The study first analyses the consequences of decolonisation on Cameroonians, uncovering profound identity struggles, mistrust towards government, fear for the future, and a ruptured social contract. The dissertation demonstrates how such sentiments can lead to conflicts, fuelling anger and...