EU can do better in NW, SW conflict.

Chataigner emphasised that through the European Commission Humanitarian Aid, ECHO, the EU supports disaster risk-reduction efforts and emergency response in the North West, South West, Far North, and East Regions; facing security and other challenges.

The Ambassador added that: “The European Union, through funding provided to the African Union, AU, stands with Cameroon in the face of security challenges, particularly in the Far North Region, which is grappling with violence, perpetrated by the terrorist group Boko Haram.”

“We speak about these principles with humility and in a spirit of partnership. Every country has its own history, its own path, and its own pace. But, one thing is clear: strong, transparent, and inclusive institutions are key to lasting stability,” he stressed, adding that they remain committed to working alongside Cameroon in supporting, listening, and engaging in a true partnership.

He was speaking at a ceremony to mark the celebration of Europe Day in Cameroon; at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel on May 9, 2026. It was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, members of government, political actors and civil society leaders.

While commending government’s initiatives, aimed at restoring peace in the English-speaking Regions of the country, Ambassador Chataigner said the EU stands for open societies, rooted in the rule of law, freedom of expression, citizen participation, and respect for fundamental rights.

The message, in synopsis, to take home is the Ambassador's reiteration of the interest of the EU to support Cameroon combat security challenges.

They are many and it is the conflict in the North West and South West Regions, which has a national contentious ability to shift several perspectives simultaneously with political, social, economic, and symbolic dimensions all intertwined.

The EU has been offering humanitarian assistance, which is like giving a hungry person a fish rather than teaching him how to fish.

It has just been "calling" on the Cameroon government to act. 

The former EU Ambassador, Hans-Peter Schadek, had told reporters that “…we have regularly exchanged views with the Cameroonian government on the security crisis in the Anglophone area. The European Union’s stance did not vary much. We are in favour of a negotiated political solution that takes into account the unity and diversity of the Cameroonian people”.

The EU has pragmatically done nothing to solve the bloody conflict which is producing asylum seekers and refugees, who also present challenges to its member countries, other than "call for dialogue".

Yes, it is dialogue, inclusive, sincere dialogue grounded in the spirit of "truth, reconciliation, forgiveness and reparation", as globally-acclaimed peace crusader, Sir Dr Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, has persistently and consistently recommended will silence the guns.

The regime in place, beefed up by those reaping filthy benefits from the spilling blood in the two Anglophone Regions, would not want such a dialogue as proposed by the Swiss. What action has the EU taken, on humanitarian ground, to force Yaounde to end the conflict?

Everyone acknowledges that atrocities, some bordering on war crimes, have been committed in the North West and South West Regions, in the past eight years and are still ongoing.

In almost identical situations in other African countries such as the Central African Republic, Libya, South Sudan, Mali, Niger and Zimbabwe, the EU is known to have imposed arms embargoes.

They have also used targeted restrictive measures such as asset freezes, travel bans against individuals and entities undermining peace, security, or democratic tenets.

Why has Cameroon been different with extra judiciary killings, kidnappings, rape, burning of entire villages in the North West and South West Regions since 2017?

In Africa, democracies are under threat challenge from the inside by elected leaders who exploit resentments and stoke fears; erode independent judiciaries and the media; enrich cronies; crack down on civil society and political opposition.

The EU has on grounds of human rights violations taken action in countries   with such conflicts. It can still do it in Cameroon without fear or favour. This can be effectively done through targeted sanctions against those committing atrocities in the two Anglophone Regions.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3792 of Monday May 18, 2026