TITLE:
The Impact of the Anglophone Conflict on Youth’s Education, Health and Nation Building in Cameroon from 2017 to 2023
AUTHORS:
Helen Chapanyi Folefac
KEYWORDS:
Anglophone Conflict, Youth, Education, Nation Building, and Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.12 No.11,
November
15,
2024
ABSTRACT: For the past eight years, the Anglophone regions of Cameroon have experienced unprecedented instability that has escalated into armed conflict in various prefectures of the country. This study aims to analyze the impact of the conflict on youth education and healthcare, and the nation-building efforts in Cameroon. A qualitative method was employed to collect participants data while integration theory guided the study. The findings revealed that the conflict has significantly impacted the education and health of youth, as well as the well-being of individuals living in conflict-affected areas. Economic downturn, inflation, destruction of schools, hospitals, and health centers, migration, and other factors were identified as influences on the nation-building process in Cameroon. Economic losses appear to be the most significant mechanism affecting nation-building. This study further recommends the reconstruction of schools, healthcare and rehabilitation centers which can help alleviate the negative effects of conflict. As a peace building approaches, this study recommends efforts to promote empower and strengthen youth participation in nation-building efforts, especially those aimed at promoting peace, social cohesion and national development.