In Cameroon, a number of women’s networks have sprung up in recent years to push not just for the equal distribution of roles, resources and education for women, but for women’s effective participation in decision-making processes as well. Esther Omam, executive director of Reach Out Cameroon and a 2021 finalist of USIP’s Women Building Peace Award, discusses the importance of the women, peace and security agenda in Cameroon, how her organization has helped open doors for women to use their voice to shape the national narrative, and the positive impact of the international community’s support for women-led movements in the country.

Related Publications

Peace, Poaching and Pangolins in Central Africa

Peace, Poaching and Pangolins in Central Africa

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

The pangolin — also known as the scaly anteater — is a small, primarily nocturnal mammal that lives in parts of Africa and Asia. Reportedly the most trafficked animal in the world, the pangolin is desired for its scales and its meat, particularly in Southeast Asia. Data shows that a pangolin is poached every three to five minutes. But the demise of the poor pangolin, as well as other trafficked species, has implications beyond the obvious risks to biodiversity. As new research shows, the proceeds of wildlife trafficking also contribute to violent conflict in Central Africa. Researcher Alexia Tata discusses the findings of her research on this issue and its implications for peace and security in the region.

Type: Analysis

Environment

After Election, Cameroon’s Governance Crisis Continues

After Election, Cameroon’s Governance Crisis Continues

Monday, December 17, 2018

Eighty-five-year-old Paul Biya, president of Cameroon since 1982, was sworn in for his seventh term in office on November 6, after complaints arising from multiple allegations of electoral irregularities in polls held a month earlier were dismissed by Cameroon’s constitutional court. An intercommunal crisis in Cameroon has seen violence increase substantially since 2017, and the conduct of these elections—which saw a partial boycott—has added to grievances. In this analysis of the official election results, USIP’s Aly Verjee and Jude Mutah examine the data, and discuss the prospects for Cameroon after the election.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Elections & Conflict

Cameroon’s Anglophone Uprising: A Crisis Overlooked

Cameroon’s Anglophone Uprising: A Crisis Overlooked

Thursday, October 4, 2018

The African nation of Cameroon has lived for years between the fires of civil warfare—in Nigeria to the west and the Central African Republic to the east. But the authoritarian regime of President Paul Biya for years has suppressed peaceful and moderate dissidence, violating citizens’ human rights with impunity, helping ignite an armed conflict with members of Cameroon’s anglophone minority.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & Governance

View All Publications