With the rising political tension and a surge in online hate speech, the South West North West Women’s Task Force (SNWOT) has sounded a warning over the fragile state of Cameroon’s conflict-affected regions ahead of the 2025 presidential elections. The coalition of over 70 women-led civil society organisations has expressed concern that the increasingly polarised environment could reignite violence, particularly in the troubled North West and South West regions.
Clotilda Waah and the press release
In a statement issued on Tuesday 22 July and signed by General Coordinator Clotilda Andiensa Waah, SNWOT pointed to the growing number of presidential aspirants and the accompanying wave of inflammatory political rhetoric as potential triggers for instability before, during, and after the polls.
“Further instability will only worsen the humanitarian crisis in our communities and undermine prospects for sustainable peace and development,” Clotilda Andiensa said, emphasising the urgent need for responsible political engagement.
The women’s group noted that civilians in the North West and South West regions, already grappling with the effects of a prolonged armed conflict, are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of political unrest. According to SNWOT, any escalation in hostilities could further deteriorate living conditions, disrupt the electoral process, and derail ongoing peace efforts.
The group warned that without deliberate action to address political tensions and promote inclusive participation, the elections risk becoming a flashpoint for renewed violence.
In response to these concerns, SNWOT outlined a set of recommendations aimed at fostering peace and inclusivity. Among the measures proposed are:
- Prioritising peace and stability through concrete actions to address the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions;
- Rejecting hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric, and encouraging non-violent communication by all political actors;
- Engaging women, youth, and marginalised groups in the electoral process to promote inclusive dialogue and representation;
- Supporting conflict resolution mechanisms that restore trust and promote peaceful coexistence;
- Tailoring electoral policies to reflect the specific needs of the North West and South West regions, with a particular focus on women and girls;
- Ensuring the safety of voters, especially those in areas still affected by insecurity.
SNWOT also directed its appeal to Elections Cameroon (ELECAM), calling on the electoral body to uphold the principles of transparency, inclusion, and credibility throughout the electoral process. It urged ELECAM to be mindful of the unique context and challenges in the conflict-hit regions.
The women’s coalition further extended its call to international stakeholders, including the United Nations, African Union, and European Union. SNWOT requested that these partners offer strategic support to facilitate inclusive dialogue between the government, political parties, and civil society, in order to safeguard a peaceful transition of power.
Reaffirming its role as a peacebuilding actor, SNWOT pledged to continue championing the values of peace, inclusion, and protection of vulnerable communities during this critical electoral period.
By Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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