The Canadian mediation for the resolution of the Anglophone crisis got slumped as the Cameroonian government dampens foreign enthusiasm.

Cameroon’s Minister of Communication Rene Emmanule Sadi indicated on 23 January 2023 that it had not mandated any country for a peace process. “The government of the Republic of Cameroon informs the national and international public opinion that it has not entrusted any country or external entity with any role as mediator or facilitator to settle the crisis in the North-West and South-West regions,” reads a statement signed by the government spokesman.

The release appears to be a stinging disavowal of the Canadian government, whose Foreign Affairs Ministry announced on 20 January that it had obtained an agreement for the parties in conflict (Cameroonian government and separatist movements) to sit around the table to engage in dialogue to resolve the crisis. “Canada welcomes the fact that the parties to the conflict have agreed to begin a process to achieve a comprehensive, peaceful and political resolution of the conflict. The parties have also agreed to form technical committees to begin work on confidence-building measures,” the Canadian Foreign Ministry said.

As a reminder, after the announcement of the agreement of the parties around the Canadian mediation, many reactions of support were recorded. The United States, the Vatican, Canada itself and several prominent figures welcomed the commitment.

This recent release from Cameroon’s Government has set many in confusion to which country is being manipulative. Popular opinion has it that, Canada which is one of the world’s major power would never bring up falsities on a said agrrement…. ” Cameroon is acting fishy as usual or the government surely is not ready to negotiate with the separatist , despite their positive replies to Canada’s strategy”, an anonymous source quoted.  Some Ambazonian militia such as Mark Berata took their opinion online.

The state denies any interference from external bodies, clinging to already implemented  solutions like the National Dialogue amongst others. Cameroon counts on its citizens to restore peace in the said anglophone regions. Nevertheless the state still expects  these external bodies to persecute separatist leaders in their various countries.