Introduction
Like many other African countries, Cameroon has experienced its fair share of conflicts and violent conflicts, which have left deep wounds on individuals and communities. These conflicts have not only caused physical destruction but have also left lasting impacts on its people’s mental and emotional well-being. According to the International Centre for the Study of Radicalization, up to 65% of citizens impacted by civil wars or conflicts are estimated to experience repeated trauma. This can include gender-based violence and/or rape, forced displacement, homelessness, starvation, and slavery.
It can also come from sustained mistreatment of certain groups of people, such as family members being killed or kidnapped and/or suffering prolonged imprisonment or torture (1). If the aforementioned issues are left unaddressed, they can lead to a repeated cycle of violence, hindering prospects for peace. To prevent further conflict and promote lasting peace and stability, it is important for the government of Cameroon to address conflict-related trauma effectively.
This article seeks to provide an understanding of conflict-related trauma (I), explore the significance of addressing conflict-related trauma (II), and provide recommendations to the government on the importance of a trauma-informed strategy in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts (III).
Contextual Background
Cameroon is currently plagued by two major armed conflicts; the bigger conflict between separatists in the English-speaking regions and the government (known today as the “Anglophone Crisis”) and the Boko Haram insurgency affecting the Far North and the North regions. As far as the Anglophone armed conflict is concerned, more than six thousand Cameroonians have been killed since it started in 2017. A look at the humanitarian situation in the anglophone regions reveals that 765,000 people have been displaced, with over 70,000 being refugees in Nigeria. While the war with Boko Haram in the Northern regions has killed over three thousand and displaced about 250,000 Cameroonians (2).
For every single one of these deaths, displacements, human rights violations, conflict-related sexual abuse, and gender-based violence, many people are wounded psychologically and traumatized. For example, the Ngarbuh Massacre of February 14, 2020 (3), the Kumba school shooting of October 24, 2020 (4), and the Nacho Junction shooting of July 16, 2023 (5). In addition, there are so many reported cases of human rights violations which include extra-judicial killings, torture, destruction of property, fair trial violations, inhumane and degrading conditions of detention, forced disappearances, sexual assault and rape, arson attacks, and kidnappings, amongst others (6).
Both government forces and separatist armed groups are said to be responsible for these acts that violate both national and international human rights laws and leave people wounded and broken. In addition, Boko Haram terrorists have abducted and slaughtered civilians, carried out attacks in mosques and markets, conducted suicide bombing attacks on civilians, and looted homes (7).
- Understanding Conflict-Related Trauma
Trauma is a very important aspect of all conflicts. It refers to the psychological and emotional suffering experienced or witnessed by individuals as a result of exposure to violence, displacement, loss of loved ones, human rights violation, and other shocking events during times of conflict. It manifests as symptoms such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (8), and other mental health challenges.
Conflict-related trauma can have long-term impacts on individuals and communities, as victims of violence often risk experiencing trauma-related symptoms. If left unresolved, trauma can perpetuate a cycle of violence, hamper reconciliation efforts, and hinder the establishment of sustainable peace. This is owing to the fact that most people who experience some form of trauma can develop a desire for vengeance as a way to cope with their hurt, making them vulnerable and driving them to embrace violent extremism.
Some of these people are easily targeted and recruited by terrorist and armed groups. Programming to support violence and conflict prevention and peacebuilding must therefore include a better understanding of the types of traumas experienced by people during armed conflict and find ways to deal with this trauma.
- The Importance of Addressing Conflict-Related Trauma
Having examined the repercussions of conflict-related trauma, it is vital to highlight the importance of addressing it. By prioritizing and managing conflict-related trauma, we can expect the following positive outcomes:
Firstly, handling trauma can be a means of conflict prevention. This helps to break the cycle of violence by providing individuals with the necessary tools to heal and transform their pain into resilience. Hence, reducing the likelihood of individuals resorting to violence as a means of coping with their trauma.
Also, trauma management can lead to reconciliation and social cohesion. Trauma-informed approaches facilitate reconciliation and social cohesion by creating safe spaces for dialogue, empathy, and understanding. By managing trauma, communities can rebuild trust and work towards collective healing, fostering lasting peace and stability.
In addition, handling conflict-related trauma can foster sustainable development. This is because a mentally healthy population is better equipped to contribute to the social and economic development of the country. Addressing trauma not only improves the well-being of individuals but also boosts productivity, creativity, and innovation, which can lead to long-term sustainable development.
- Recommendations
From the above analysis, the following recommendations can be sought to address conflict-related trauma in our communities affected by armed conflicts
Firstly, the government should prioritize the protection of civilians and combat impunity. Civilian protection should be at the center of government response to conflict. Government forces, separatists, and terrorist groups that commit acts of violence against civilians should be punished for their crimes. This will serve as a lesson to other perpetrators of violence and also facilitate the healing process of victims.
Secondly, the establishment of trauma-informed support services. This should not only be done by humanitarian organizations, but also the government needs to prioritize investing in the establishment of accessible and comprehensive trauma-informed support services, including trauma healing centers, mental health clinics, and counseling centers. These services should be available in conflict-affected areas and cater to the specific needs of individuals who have experienced trauma.
Again, the government must invest in training and capacity-building programs for mental health professionals, social workers, and community leaders to enhance their understanding of trauma and equip them with the necessary skills to provide effective support. This includes trauma-focused therapy, counseling techniques, and community-based healing practices.
In addition, the government should engage in a peacebuilding dialogue that fosters community healing and reconciliation. This will facilitate community-based healing initiatives that encourage dialogue, reconciliation, and forgiveness. This can be achieved through community-led peacebuilding activities, cultural events, and intergenerational dialogues that provide safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences and begin the healing process.
Furthermore, the government should establish truth and reconciliation commissions as a way to reconcile perpetrators and victims of violence.
Moreover, collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to addressing trauma is important. Combining resources, sharing best practices, and leveraging expertise will lead to more impactful and sustainable interventions.
Conclusion
Violent conflict is one of the leading causes of trauma-related mental health issues, and this has too often been overlooked in Cameroon, which is currently in conflict. Understanding the specific manifestations of trauma and its link to violent extremism can inform effective interventions and support systems for those affected by the ongoing conflicts. Addressing conflict-related trauma is not only a humanitarian initiative but also a tactical approach to prevent further conflict and promote peace and stability in Cameroon.
The government can establish an atmosphere that encourages recovery, resiliency, and reconciliation by putting the suggested measures into practice. Investing in community trauma healing, education, trauma-informed support services, and cooperation will open the door to a better future where Cameroonians may prosper in peace and harmony.
Muriel M. Kinkoh
Muriel Kinkoh is Research assistant at the Peace and Security division of the Nkafu Policy Institute. Prior to joining the Foundation, she was administrative and coordination intern at ILIAN Consulting Company Limited; supporting advocacy, peacebuilding and conflict resolution programming.