South West North West Women Task Force SNWOT Hopeful that dialogue will calm crisis

South West North West Women Task Force SNWOT Hopeful that dialogue will calm crisis

Read Below the full submission of the SNWOT to PM Dion Ngute.
 

SNWOT Women after meeting with PM at Star Building

SNWOT women crying for peace in Bamenda

  

The South West North West Women Task Force SNWOT after the consultative talks with the prime minister and head of government still remains optimistic that the national dialogue is taking place to solve the crisis in the English Speaking regions of Cameroon. However, we wish to put forth the following observations:

Many more Cameroonians must be given the space to voice what they want and how they think the current stalemate can be resolved. In this line, the South West North West Women Task Force SNWOT noted that the 20 days time frame to host pre-consultations ahead to a National Dialogue of this magnitude was too short. 

Ø  More time should have been allowed, for consultations at all levels in order to gather the options of all before the dialogue proper.

Ø    It would have been good that adequate time should have been taken to harmonize the proposed points so as to get talking points that cut across as well as reflect the wishes of the people.

We believe that a document developed in this manner from the consultants should have served as the guide for the national dialogue.

Research has shown that women’s participation in peace processes contributes both to the likelihood of reaching a peace agreement and to its successful implementation. This is one of the elements on which the South West North West Women Task Force bases its argument for inclusion. Given that we women represent 52% of the country our expertise is essential to the major national dialogue. Furthermore, a big percentage of youth has demonstrated commitment to non-violence and must be heard. We note with discontent the manner in which these critical voices to the process have been given little or no participation. This group throughout the conflict has championed non violence and taken the path of peace builders. Their participation in the process is imperative! We expect to see at least 30% of the delegates at the dialogue women from the conflict zones.

Mme Esther Omam Njomo

General Coordinator SNWOT Presenting proposals to PM Dion Ngute

We [the women] understand that there are longstanding grievances that have resulted in this armed conflict and that the only way to move forward and address these grievances is through dialogue. In order to achieve this objective, the major national dialogue should consider the Anglophone Crisis as a unique topic on the Agenda. This national dialogue should recognize the problem of identity. This recognition will determine that all sides need to be at the table in order for sustainable peace to be attained. A secured, neutral and safe environment must be provided so that people talk freely and frankly.

 We as women believe that these issues can be resolved if everyone present at the dialogue speaks and respects the truth, works beyond all affiliations with a focus to serve humanity The national dialogue is about much more than power-sharing. It is about sharing responsibility to bring about justice and sustainable peace so that the life of all Cameroonians, including a grassroots woman and her family, can have meaning again. We expect no less of you!