SW/NW Women Sound Alarm

Story, Sa’ah Siona Ikei

A collective of women leaders is sounding a strong warning ahead of the nation’s critical October 12 presidential elections. The South West North West Women’s Task Force (SNWOT), a formidable alliance of over 70 women-led civil society organizations and individual women leaders, has issued an urgent plea for peace and inclusion, fearing that escalating political tensions and a venomous wave of online hate speech could ignite further violence.

The SNWOT’s message comes from the very heart of the crisis, where civilians have endured years of displacement, violence, and humanitarian suffering due to the long-standing, unresolved armed conflict. As the presidential race heats up with a growing number of candidates, the task force expresses profound concern over the accompanying surge in divisive rhetoric and political animosity, particularly amplified on social media. They fear this toxic atmosphere poses a direct threat to the fragile stability of the North West and South West (NWSW) regions.

“The current political climate risks triggering violence before, during, and after the elections,” SNWOT warns. Clotilda Andiensah, speaking for the task force, articulated the devastating potential consequences with chilling clarity: “Further instability will only worsen the humanitarian crisis in our communities and undermine prospects for sustainable peace and development.” The group highlights the precarious situation for those already caught in the crossfire. The SNWOT press statement indeed reflects the daily struggles faced by countless families in the region, who yearn for an end to the cycle of violence.

In response to these alarming early signs, SNWOT is voicing concerns and are proposing a clear roadmap for a peaceful electoral process. They are calling on all presidential candidates and political parties to actively prioritize peace and stability by confronting the ongoing conflict head-on. Crucially, they demand a commitment to promote non-violent communication. They are urging leaders to reject the hate speech that poisons public discourse and incites fear among the populace.

Beyond just preventing violence, SNWOT champions a vision of an election that truly serves all Cameroonians. They are urging candidates to engage in inclusive dialogue with women, youth, and marginalized communities, ensuring their voices are heard and their participation is meaningful. A key demand is for the electoral process to reflect the unique needs of the NWSW regions, with a specific focus on the vulnerabilities and rights of women and girls who often bear the brunt of conflict. Guaranteeing a safe and inclusive environment for all voters, especially in the most affected areas, is paramount to their appeal.

The task force also directs its appeals to the institutions tasked with overseeing the elections and the international community. SNWOT urges Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) to uphold its duty by ensuring a process that is transparent, inclusive, and credible, paying special attention to the distinct challenges faced by the NWSW regions. To the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and the global community, SNWOT calls for strategic support to facilitate crucial dialogue between the government, opposition parties, and civil society actors, all in the aim of safeguarding a peaceful electoral future for Cameroon.