Cameroon anglophone crisis may enter new stalemate

Significance

Biya's rare public address follows a recent boycott called for by separatist groups in the predominantly anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions following the sentencing of separatist leader Julius Sisiku Ayuk Tabe and nine others to life in prison. Yaounde is under growing international pressure to engage separatist groups meaningfully amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Impacts

• Biya's intervention could complicate the progress of recent Swiss-led mediation efforts, which have received US and EU support.
• Separatist groups will likely increasingly focus the bulk of their international lobbying efforts on the US government.
• A harsh sentence for detained opposition leader Maurice Kamto risks violent protests, a crackdown and ensuing international condemnation.