As Cameroon continues to confront the long-term effects of an armed conflict that has destabilized its North, Northwest, and Southwest regions for more than a decade, new political voices are drawing attention for their approach to peace and national cohesion.
Among them is Éliane Véronique Eboutou, President of the political party Participation Nationale pour une Action Citoyenne au Cameroun (PNACC), whose engagement on the Anglophone crisis has earned growing recognition from civil society actors and affected communities.
Eboutou, who made history as the first woman to declare her intention to contest Cameroon’s 2025 presidential election, has been vocal in calling for an accelerated peace process grounded in dialogue, inclusion, and empathy. Her position has resonated in the Northwest and Southwest regions, where prolonged insecurity has led to mass displacement, economic disruption, and deep social trauma.
Civil society organizations operating in the two English-speaking regions have described her interventions as timely and constructive. Observers note that her discourse differs from traditional political narratives, particularly because she addresses the suffering of Anglophone communities directly and without political ambiguity. For many residents, her approach represents a departure from what they see as distant or defensive official responses.
Political economy analyst Shang Peter, based in Bamenda, believes Eboutou’s engagement reflects a deliberate effort to understand the roots of the crisis. According to him, her public statements demonstrate familiarity with both the causes and consequences of the conflict and emphasize the need for long-term solutions rather than short-term security measures.
Beyond public statements, Eboutou has taken her advocacy into the field. She remains the only female presidential aspirant to have visited both the Northwest and Southwest regions during the height of the armed conflict. Her presence in these areas has been described by analysts as a symbolic and high-risk move, given the prevailing insecurity.
Her visit to Bamenda attracted particular attention as it occurred shortly after the abduction and killing of Madam Njoko Frida, Deputy Mayor of Bamenda II Council and Section President of the CPDM Women’s Wing in Mezam II. The incident had heightened fears among political actors and underscored the dangers associated with public engagement in the region.
Despite these risks, Eboutou proceeded with meetings involving community elders, youth leaders, women’s associations, conflict victims, and members of the diaspora. She later stated that these exchanges allowed her to better grasp the human dimension of the crisis, beyond official figures and political debate.
Community leaders in Bamenda emphasized the significance of her presence. One elder noted that effective leadership in the crisis requires firsthand exposure to the conditions on the ground, adding that her willingness to listen sets her apart from many political figures.
Eboutou’s political posture has also been shaped by her emphasis on national unity. Although she was invested as PNACC’s candidate for the October 12, 2025, presidential election, she later withdrew her candidacy in support of President Paul Biya. She cited alignment with his stated policy direction, particularly commitments related to the empowerment of women and youth in decision-making roles.
Supporters point to the reiteration of these commitments during the President’s swearing-in at the National Assembly as a positive signal toward inclusive governance.
In the Northwest region, grassroots actors have largely interpreted her decision as strategic rather than a withdrawal from public life. Ndi Mayenin, President of the Mezam Bike Riders’ Union, argued that Eboutou’s voice should be integrated into national peace efforts. He criticized what he described as the silence of some Anglophone elites, while praising Eboutou’s clarity and compassion.
Mayenin highlighted the severe impact of the conflict on commercial bike riders, many of whom have been killed, kidnapped, dispossessed of their motorcycles, or forced out of work. According to him, groups that bear the brunt of the violence should be represented in any credible peace process, and leaders who recognize this reality deserve a role in shaping solutions.
Across the Northwest and Southwest regions, Eboutou is increasingly viewed not only as a political leader, but as a potential intermediary capable of bridging linguistic, regional, and political divides. Her background, direct engagement with affected populations, and consistent calls for dialogue have strengthened her standing among those seeking an end to the conflict.
As Cameroon continues to search for a durable resolution to one of the most challenging periods in its post-independence history, the role of leaders advocating empathy, inclusion, and sustained dialogue remains under scrutiny. For many observers, Éliane Véronique Eboutou represents a voice whose interventions contribute meaningfully to the national conversation on peace and reconciliation.
Comments
Post a Comment