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National Dialogue: A Tool for Conflict Transformation?

This article shows how National Dialogue works. Most noteworthy are the consultation forums it begins with. These allow a broad range of Cameroonians of all works of life to define Cameroon's problems in general, and Anglophone’s problems and their solutions in particular. These consultations are the basis for peace conferences, including regional conferences that address tribal and ethnic conflicts. Consultations also set the agenda for a national conference and recruit its delegates.

 The National Dialogue is a process that includes dialogue consultations, conference negotiations, and implementation.  Unlike a peace treaty, it allows the governed to negotiate and determine goals. In addition, with National Dialogue, we can redefine our national unity for ourselves. We can redefine what being Cameroonian means. On that basis, we can also create a new constitution that reflects the values of all of us. Every citizen has the chance to join in the dialogue. Through grassroots forums, civil society organization meetings, and the National Dialogue online, citizens can create answers to Cameroon’s problems.
For this to take place, the process of National Dialogue must earn credibility by being transparent and inclusive. Furthermore, it should have reliable guarantees that its process and outcomes can be implemented. Specifically, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Speech, and respect on all sides for cease-fire agreements are essential to the process.

Origins of Cameroon's National Dialogue

President Paul Biya announced Cameroon's National Dialogue on 10 September 2019. It is scheduled to run from September 30th to October 4th 2019 at the Yaounde International conference center. However, it started with consultative talks by the Prime Minister Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute. It is a theory which draws on global experiences in peace-building, reconciliation, and political change. In fact, many countries have used it to transition from war and undemocratic rule to peace and democracy.
It is noteworthy to reiterate here that National dialogue is an increasingly popular tool for conflict resolution and political transformation. It can broaden debate regarding a country’s trajectory beyond the usual elite decision makers; however, it can also be misused and manipulated by leaders to consolidate their power. This brief includes principles to strengthen national dialogue processes and considerations for international actors seeking to support these processes.
In response to criticisms from opposition groups and the international community, membership to the National dialogue is expanded  to include more women, youth, faith organizations, academia, and the media. The National Dialogue today is an imperfect but self-improving body. Because we Cameroonians own it, we improve it ourselves. It is a chance for all us to define and shape the future of our country.
The Goals of National Dialogue
⦁        End all forms of violence in the country
⦁        Redefine and reestablish stronger national unity
⦁        Strengthen social contract between the citizens and their state
⦁        Address issues of diversity
⦁        Agree on a mechanism for allocating and sharing resources
⦁        Settle historical disputes and sources of conflict among communities
⦁       Set a stage for an integrated and inclusive national development strategy and economic recovery
⦁      Agree on steps and guarantees to ensure safe, free, fair and peaceful elections and post-transition in 2019
⦁    Agree on a modality for a speedier and safe return of our internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes
⦁      Further national healing, peace, and reconciliation

THEMES OF THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE
⦁        Bilingualism
⦁        Cultural diversity and social cohesion
⦁        Reconstruction and development of conflict-affected areas
⦁        Return of refugees and displaced persons
⦁        Education and judicial system
⦁        Decentralization and local development
⦁        Demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants
⦁        Role of the diaspora in the country’s development

Participants

The Major National Dialogue to be dialogue will bring together, without exception, sons and daughters of Cameroon:
⦁        parliamentarians,
⦁        politicians,
⦁        opinion leaders,
⦁        intellectuals,
⦁        economic operators,
⦁        traditional authorities,
⦁        religious authorities,
⦁        members of the diaspora,
⦁        representatives of the Defence and Security Forces,
⦁        representatives of armed groups
⦁        representatives of the victims.

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