Cabral Libii’s Quick Solution to Anglophone Divide

Sa’ah Siona Ikei

Amidst the persistent and deeply felt Anglophone crisis plaguing Cameroon, presidential hopeful Cabral Libii has put forward a bold, two-pronged strategy aimed at healing the nation’s deep-seated divisions. The leader of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement (PCRN) is championing a radical departure from current governance, advocating for a “federalism of peoples” rooted in history and a renewed commitment to the country’s founding reunification ideals.

Libii’s proposal directly challenges the centralized state structure, arguing it has historically failed to recognize the unique identities and historical trajectories of Cameroon’s diverse communities, particularly those in the English-speaking regions. His vision centers on restoring local autonomy, creating a governance model that respects and empowers communities to manage their own affairs, moving away from the centralized decision-making that has fueled resentment.

At the heart of his platform is a comprehensive articulation of his vision for a more inclusive Cameroon. Libii stated emphatically:

“Cameroon is not made up of abstract individuals but of people who are real, living communities with their own identities and historical trajectories. What English-speaking Cameroonians are demanding is not new. It is a return to proximity-based governance. This is a legitimate aspiration that predates colonialism. Our communities have always had systems of self-management either monarchic, democratic, or otherwise, and those roots should not be erased by an overly centralised state. A power of proximity that acknowledges local identity is imperative. People cannot continue to depend on decisions made from afar about their daily lives. It is unrealistic to think we can build unity by stifling diversity.”

This call for a “federalism of peoples” is presented not as a novel concept, but as a return to foundational principles and a recognition of legitimate aspirations that predate colonial influence. Libii contends that this proximity-based governance, which acknowledges and respects local identities, is crucial for fostering genuine unity.  

Cabral Libi’s Earlier Declarations

At the start of the 2017 episode of the Anglophone crisis that has stretched into eight years of armed conflict, Cabral Libi stated:

«I am launching a new appeal. In my capacity as a French-speaking citizen, concerned about seeing the Anglophone crisis resolved as soon as possible, I propose to go to the Anglophone zone, in a delegation of opinion leaders, civil society leaders and Francophone political leaders, in order to discuss with our Anglophone compatriots,” said Cabral Libii in a post on social networks.

To galvanize support for his proposed approach, Libii extended an invitation to French-speaking leaders, urging them to form a collective around his initiative. He asserted at the time that the current authorities in Yaoundé had forfeited the necessary legitimacy to broker a resolution to the protracted Anglophone crisis, thereby creating a mandate for alternative leadership to take decisive action. Hear him:

«Who should we go to? Who should I contact? The events of the last few days, despite their repercussions, have not revealed the face(s) of a local leadership that is once again assumed. In the meantime, the management of the crisis by governments remains manifestly ineffective. Blind and selfish repression has given pride of place to extremism. Radicalization is constantly on the rise. There is still time. Francophones, let’s act together! It’s about our brothers, it’s about us, and it’s about our country. Let’s not remain observers and commentators. The time is no longer for futile diatribes,” he added.