THE PLIGHT OF WOMEN IN ARMED CONFLICT: RECOUNTING THE ORDEALS OF WOMEN IN THE ANGLOPHONE ARMED CONFLICT IN CAMEROON
THE PLIGHT OF WOMEN IN ARMED CONFLICT: RECOUNTING THE ORDEALS OF WOMEN IN THE ANGLOPHONE ARMED CONFLICT IN CAMEROON

Summary/Abstract: Armed conflicts over the years have been a major issue affecting many societies across the world. These armed conflicts usually have far reaching consequence on diverse groups in af- fected societies. Women most often remain the hardest hit as far as the effects of these armed conflicts are concern. The plight of women remains an issue of major concern in the Anglophone armed conflict in Cameroon. Since the escalation of the Anglophone crisis into an armed conflict in 2017, combat between the state of Cameroon and the non-state armed groups have been evolv- ing. The asymmetrical tactics of the armed groups have been changing based on its capabilities. The recent spike in the targeted raid and attack on schools, markets, and state institutions purposely for abduction and kidnapping has affected most women and girls in particular from every facet of life. Due to the depletion of its fighters and gradual loss of support from the masses, there has been a surge in mass positioning of people including ‘women and girls’ as material instruments of warfare: fighters, human shields, bargaining tools, sex slaves, informants, among other things by armed groups. Based on research material from primary and secondary sources, this study seeks to examine the adversities of women and girls in the current trend, and elucidates on the impact on their social and economic wellbeing. The study endorses the need for the re- spect of the UNSCR 1325 in Cameroon which clearly stipulates the need to prevent the violation of women’s rights and the protection of women and girls from wartime sexual violence.

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