Inside Story - Is Cameroon persecuting its English-speakers?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- Cameroon's main language is French, but about one-fifth of the country's 22 million people are English-speakers.
They are concentrated in the country's Northwest and Southwest regions - which were colonised by Britain.
English-speakers have long complained of discrimination.
They say that official documents are always in French and that the language barrier disqualifies them from most government jobs.
Some support breaking away to form their own state.
In recent weeks opposition leaders from the English-speaking regions have been arrested.
And thousands of English speaking teachers, lawyers, and students have gone on strike to protest against alleged marginalisation.
In response, internet service in English-speaking areas was cut off more than a week ago.
That, in turn, has led to a new campaign using the hashtag 'Bring Back Our Internet'.
The government says the internet blackout and arrests of political leaders are necessary to maintain peace.
So, what does this mean for Cameroon?
Presenter: Richelle Carey
Guests:
Elvis Ngolle Ngolle - Former Minister of Special Duties in the Office of the President of Cameroon.
Julie Owono - Head of the Internet Desk at Internet Without Borders.
Albert Nchinda - Political Analyst.
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Check our website: www.aljazeera.com/
Thank you Aljezeera to speak about the topic.
this is my Country and it's so hard watching what is going on. Lord please help my Country
Again mistakes: the problem is not just language, it is a violation for 55 years of the terms of union with the french speaking. All other problems of marginalization, etc. are just consequences.
Thank you Al Jazeera. God Bless u for the coverage. Independence of Ambazonia at last.
This previous minister is spewing lies, hoping he will be called back in as a minister. Sad. This is a demonstration of what we have in Cameroon...ministers and members of parliament will sell their souls and betray their population just for a position in the government. They all have no moral compass.
Khun Long Back, well seen..
Khun Long Back his own village doesn't even have good roads,schools etc yet because of bribe he cares less about the future of his home land.
I live in the U.S. Have close friends in Cameroon. Things here are getting very crazy. I fear that even this nation could fall into civil war.
"No moral compass"
Al jeezira is professional media!even the way they prononce cameroon and africa name 's. Most the have give 95%of the reason cauting crisis 👏👏👏👏
The citizens want English to be the official language for economic reasons (better integration in global trade) but France is pressuring the Francophone countries in order to stay relevant in Africa.
I get this part. Because France is still standing on their backs for survival...for resources I would guess.
abz998 , let me help you out. This has got nothing to do with language and everything to do with OIL. Cameroon was supposed to be a federation but ever since oil was discovered in the english speaking parts the french speaking side started it's oppressive regime by dissolving the federation and creating a republic.
Khemistry IBMOR exactly!
it's a pity our elders keeps disappointing us. @Mr elvis Ngolle Ngolle
For all those commenting here highlighting language as the issue the people are fighting about. It has to do more with language. The root of the matter has to do with the history of the Cameroons. Cameroon is made up of two States which came together to live on equal terms. Unfortunately one of the parties have betrayed the terms of the arrangement and are using oppressive means to enforce its way of doing things on the other jeopardizing their peaceful coexistence. Across the world, we also have countries with similar arrangements who are doing everything possible to respect the status of these arrangements. The case of Cameroon is not the same because some unscrupulous individuals backed by France have manipulated the terms of this arrangement and this is seriously prejudicing to a minority group of people who were previously under British colonization. They have no place in a country where the French language and the French culture are dominating every aspect of life. Most of you will say they are fighting over languages which are not theirs but we cannot run away from the reality that these people were colonised against their will and made to adopt these cultures with their respective languages. It is impossible for a country like Cameroon to adopt a single African or native language and use as an official language. This is because unlike many other African countries where there exist a single group of people who speak a single language which everyone can understand, Cameroon is divided along many tribal lines with the existence of over 450 different languages spoken by small tribal groups. Accordingly, it is difficult to choose any of these native languages and make it an official language. For this reason, the country has no choice than to make English and French its official languages on the terms that the status of both languages which are spoken by the two Cameroons in this Union must be equally respected and preserved with their respective cultures and ways of doing things. My write up is just for those who only view this as a problem of language to understand that, this has to do more with the history of the country than language. It is a constitutional problem.
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Aljazeera in case you missed it,Paul biya has been in power for 33 years.
Mr ngolle is that democracy or monarchy?
This is monarchical form of government which must be rejected in this 21st century. He has stayed too long at least he should have done enough to handover to others.
Elvis I was in Cameroon two weeks ago and what u are saying is all lies may God help us all
Ma bakossi broda how can you say you have been in dialogue for 56 years!!!!!!!!!!!! So how long will it take for us to get the resukt or conclusion of the dialogue?
56 years of imprisonment is nothing for Elvis ngolle Ngolle what a shame!!!!
I dont understand the descrimination based on two European languages in Cameroon. It would seem that they have more in common than that difference. Beats me...
i guess some ppl are still looking for tiny things to pick on
Khemistry IBMOR the French their colonial masters always preach that French culture is superior to all others
For all those commenting here highlighting language as the issue the people are fighting about. It has to do more with language. The root of the matter has to do with the history of the Cameroons. Cameroon is made up of two States which came together to live on equal terms. Unfortunately one of the parties have betrayed the terms of the arrangement and are using oppressive means to enforce its way of doing things on the other jeopardizing their peaceful coexistence. Across the world, we also have countries with similar arrangements who are doing everything possible to respect the status of these arrangements. The case of Cameroon is not the same because some unscrupulous individuals backed by France have manipulated the terms of this arrangement and this is seriously prejudicing to a minority group of people who were previously under British colonization. They have no place in a country where the French language and the French culture are dominating every aspect of life. Most of you will say they are fighting over languages which are not theirs but we cannot run away from the reality that these people were colonised against their will and made to adopt these cultures with their respective languages. It is impossible for a country like Cameroon to adopt a single African or native language and use as an official language. This is because unlike many other African countries where there exist a single group of people who speak a single language which everyone can understand, Cameroon is divided along many tribal lines with the existence of over 450 different languages spoken by small tribal groups. Accordingly, it is difficult to choose any of these native languages and make it an official language. For this reason, the country has no choice than to make English and French its official languages on the terms that the status of both languages which are spoken by the two Cameroons in this Union must be equally respected and preserved with their respective cultures and ways of doing things. My write up is just for those who only view this as a problem of language to understand that, this has to do more with the history of the country than language. It is a constitutional problem.
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Khemistry IBMOR , let me help you out. This has got nothing to do with language and everything to do with OIL. Cameroon was supposed to be a federation but ever since oil was discovered in the english speaking parts the french speaking side started it's oppressive regime by dissolving the federation and creating a republic. Hope this helps...
Lord have mercy
why didn't they just learn french? speaking more than one language is always advantageous
All can't learn French because the country Cameroon is a union between British colonised Cameroon who derived their culture from the British and French colonised Cameroon who derived their culture from the French. The Union was formed on the basis that bothe cultures with their respective features will be respected and be of equal status. However, the French speakers have violated this arrangement which is why the former British colony is not happy and protesting. As I said, the problem with Cameroon is not a language problem but a historical problem which must be viewed from that perspective. Therefore to understand all that which is happening at the moment, one must have knowledge of the country's history. Cameroon as all know is not an entirely French speaking country as it was not entirely colonised by France. Unfortunately out of greed unscrupulous individuals backed backed by France, being a parasite to its colonies have made the country look like a French territory. That is where the issue is.
👏👏👏👏👏👏
The problem cannot be reduced to just language. That is your interpretation
WE THE PEOPLE OF WEST CAMEROON, WE"RE AIMING FOR INDEPENDENCE ,SOONER OR LATER IT SHALL COME TO PASS.
Cameroon is on fire
why are francophones always militant when it comes to language
Influence of France. Quite a few languages in the world are militant like this.
Feisal , let me help you out. This has got nothing to do with language and everything to do with OIL. Cameroon was supposed to be a federation but ever since oil was discovered in the english speaking parts the french speaking side started it's oppressive regime by dissolving the federation and creating a republic.
Ngolle Ngolle The Gods of our Fatherland shall Judge u at the End!!!!!
what is the difference between apresa and phaphet it's no in Cameroon
Ngole is intellectually dishonest and factually wrong. He talks about the rule of law by conceeding and restating the obvious which is false. Cameroon might well be predicated under the law but does abide by the law. To criminalize and prosecute its citizens who vindicate their rights to free expression provided by law is to trample on the very law it so hail to exist. Ngole is spewing the governments position today and should be very careful because he will be held by that government tomorrow. Where is the Supreme Court Justice Abah? What crime did he commit ? Where are the Consortium leaders such as Agbor Balla? Under which rule of law can their arrest be prosecuted? Repression is not the rule of lawand the rule of law is not a fixation of Cameroon government. Don't insult the world.
Southern Cameroon and Biafra are the same people suffering the same fate. But the Lord your God has remembered your plights. All they need to do is realize their common destiny and fight their cause together.
if dialogue existed there would not have been a succession OBVIOUS
everybody should learn to speak English for business. I feel that for the purposes of the people having jobs, English is key. why are they all not speaking English in Cameroon? doesn't that make sense to everyone else?
esther williams , let me help you out. This has got nothing to do with language and everything to do with OIL. Cameroon was supposed to be a federation but ever since oil was discovered in the english speaking parts the french speaking side started it's oppressive regime by dissolving the federation and creating a republic.
I'm a cameroonian my friend. In Cameroon , the francophones instead see English as a lingua franca
Does that include hiding the Brutality, extrajudicial killings and arrests of the Anglophones by the French Military. In clear terms what are they hiding?
ngole is twisting things he knows the truth
the companies cooperated, and happily ROFL
Okay u guys should get over yourselves. It's not about Language. It's more than the languages.they have different customs and norms
english is a more important language then french
French is more important in West Africa though.
athanatos y , me help you out. This has got nothing to do with language and everything to do with OIL. Cameroon was supposed to be a federation but ever since oil was discovered in the english speaking parts the french speaking side started it's oppressive regime by dissolving the federation and creating a republic.
Thanks for giving me more info Hanna I didn't know that. Wherever humans are they are going to find a reason to fight among themselves It's a shame but for me personally I think humanity is totally barbaric
athanatos y , I disagree. There are good things happening and good people out there. Bad news sells better and spreads faster that's all. Stay positive, keep the faith.
@Hannah Rouvinez put a link up to where I can find what you are talking about.
when governments fail to adapt
Elvis is living in the Past. This is the new Era. Their crookedness is being exposed by the simple internet tool
tomorrow he will say something else he is afraid of been sack
Please can you guys not invite Elvis Ngolle on ur show again? He is like our very own Sean Spicer. He is so full of "alternative facts".
Randy Aboh , lol......
so true
This mister of state is spewing nonesense and full of evil. What law is he talking about?
The English Cameroon must be free now. They must be allowed to rule themselves. AU is watching all the and doing nothing about it. what a useless AU we have. They do not want to intervene and nor speak. Shame unto Africa leaders.
This so call minister is so Ignorant what a shame
WHAT ARE THE LAWS? CITE THEM
I'm sorry to say this, The Anglophone should merge with Nigeria. Look at the yellow map in the video, they are already in Nigeria.
Absolutely, if they can't get independence, let them join Nigeria
Aske the minister if c.r.t.v like a national television channel has they ever announced the war that Paul Bartholomew Bivondo Biya to the Southern Cameroon people's
NO OFFENSE the minister is not aware of what is going on in this 21st century. LISTEN TO HIS ACCENT AND GRAMMAR. THEN COMPARE IT TO THE YOUTH.
WITH THIS MAKE THE COUNTRY BETTER?
I hope not.
You did not unite but Great-Britain gave you to France, and the lower of development of that part, should be due to the indirect rule from Great Britain as opposed to direct rule of France.
And truly federalism is truly not a taboo subject because other peoples also started thinking about a federal state with more than two parts.
Why don't Africans have there own language!!!!!
no solutions are being sought, just conveniences 🍺
Elvis you're not making any sense pls the gevt shut down the internet bcos people criticise them or create force information this man is stupid is it only in
Cameron it happens they shut it down for them not to have fast access to spread their negative attitude or expose their evil doing Elvis or whatever am not believing in u is a shame u re against human right u dnt want them to express their feelings u just want them to die in silent
Swagg Bag this bakossi man does not even have roads in his homeland (kupe muanemguba division), there are no good schools there as well etc yet he cares more about the bribe he is getting to say this trash in public and forget about the future generation. this is stinginess at its finest
Elvis Ngole as U call yourself, it's quite shameful watching u blabbing....that's what I call it . Total rubbish. No doubt your mouth has also been rubbed. But U know what, it's time for us to resist and there's no turning back. Advise your chef Mbivondo to adjust. Nemesis has obviously caught up with you guys.......Nyamankundus!!! Kaaaamaaaaaaa!!!👽👽🙀🙀
So the education system should ensure that every minority speaks French.
Is a research that has become known for some people of different cultures or is seen or perceived by the people who are not sure about what to say and always love new people but not one or the same character that everyday What they hear is like working but I do not think that what has been said is true or wrong is there are also people in the clan competition who even believe in how to advance but not to make anybody in the world Live his career and knowledge of how he or she can do the writing or creating stories about the different parts of the community if you see someone who is slander or insulting or unwilling to search for is someone who is referring to the community and what he uses for money He wants his thoughts to convince people and is a community of people in every world who is free to do so He exhibits everything he sees for his surprise by abdiweli ali coal kenya nairobi
هو البحث الذي أصبح معروفا لبعض الناس من ثقافات مختلفة أو ينظر إليها أو ينظر إليها من قبل الناس الذين ليسوا متأكدين من ما يقولون ودائما أحب الناس الجدد ولكن ليس واحد أو نفس الطابع أن كل يوم ما يسمعون هو مثل العمل ولكن لا أعتقد أن ما قيل صحيح أو خطأ هو أن هناك أيضا الناس في المنافسة عشيرة الذين يعتقدون حتى في كيفية التقدم ولكن ليس لجعل أي شخص في العالم يعيش حياته المهنية والمعرفة كيف انه أو انها يمكن أن تفعل كتابة أو إنشاء قصص عن أجزاء مختلفة من المجتمع إذا رأيت شخص قذف أو إهانة أو غير راغبة في البحث عن شخص الذي يشير إلى المجتمع وما يستخدمه من أجل المال يريد أفكاره لإقناع الناس ومجتمع من الناس في كل العالم الذي هو حر في القيام بذلك انه يعرض كل ما يراه لدهشة من قبل عبديلي علي الفحم كينيا نيروبي
WHAT IS THAT LAW HE KEEPS TALKING ABOUT? CAN NGOLE NGOLE CITE THOSE LAWS AND HOW IT WAS BROKEN? IS THE LAW ABOVE THE LIFE OF PEOPLE THEY KILLED?
FEIZHOU means black continent.
minister is former. talk with the current one lets hear his word
Dès la première phrase du Elvis là... Les mangeurs d'argent et menteur du RDPC. yeucch! I hope you are ashamed of yourself when you watch this today. I bet your children are. But anyways...
Just kudos to Rachel Carey for being able to keep order on the set. That's not an easy fit to acheive when Cameroonians with different political points of view are gathered.
the un has proven utterly ineffective in this matter
Les connards si on envi de tout gâcher. #MHGA
Ngolle Elvis goshhhh is such a big time liar. Shame on you
Southern Cameroon belongs to Nigeria and it will be taken
I agree with you. They should get independence or join Nigeria
Duty planet. Heart attack project high-rise cardiac arrest
ngolle ngolle is a fool
How can Big grown Fathers and mothers
All in the name of Journalist.
Can not report simple Truth.
You all are just trapped impious sons and daughters of the Grand Master.
by biya
nope. this is an still an ethnic conflict regardless how you look at it
the english speakers are nigerian igbos
the french speakers are cameroonians
3世 村正 shut up we are not Nigerians. there are more than 20 tribes in english cameroon speaking different dialects. search history of cameroon. know the reason of the protest. WE just want FULL INDEPENDENCE cuz enough is enough.
3世 村正 it has nothing to do with tribe because north west and south west (two english cameroon speaking provinces) are not related in any way, not by language or culture. South westerners of english cameroon are related to the Doualas, mbo-bakossis, bassa, bakongo, batanga, beti tribes and other littoral,center,south and east tribes (all found in the southern parts of french cameroon). they are most likely related culturally and linguistically.
You are the singular reason why we could not stay with nigeria...............very dukk when it comes even to the history of your own country
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