The armed conflict in #NWSW remains one of the most neglected conflict

It is like we shouted happy new year just yesterday although it is a month already. Apparently calendars and the hope that comes with a new year are not meant for us leaving within an armed, traumatic and deadly conflict. I am not a pessimist but January in #NWSW has taken away hope and positivity from me and many others. We have seen blood as well as cried out our eyes.

Human life is worthless to perpetrators of violence. Our children, husbands, sisters and families have been slaughtered like chickens or goats for a traditional ritual.  The blame game from parties in conflict continues leaving the masses confused, frustrated and abandoned for daily we find soldiers shooting and killing innocent civilians like fighters too do. Who is really protecting human lives especially women, children, the elderly and people living with disability? The high level of crimes against humanity makes everyone a potential victim. Speeches and statements from leaders portray them as the people's messiah and source of hope but the daily reality is agony, fear, hunger and psychological trauma. Women and girls continue to be used as weapons of war and a source to seek attention following the dehumanizing way they are treated, video taped and circulated on social media. I will not be truthful if i fail to acknowledge the calls from different international actors for dialogue between the government of Cameroon and the non state armed groups. We as #WomenPeaceBuilders say thank you for adding your voice to our proposal of more than two years ago. The pain in my heart is the feeling many who believe in #PeaceNegotiation and #TalksNotBlood  bear. It is so disheartening because: All the calls for dialogue is yet to yield fruits that can be enjoyed by the masses At the national level government's strategies to bring peace as good as they may seem are yet to improve the situation  Non state armed groups leaders continue to use strategies like lockdown which further destroy the living conditions of the people Clashes or attacks by warring parties continue to register the dead of innocent civilians, soldiers and fighters while causing displacements  Women peace movements are yet to feel sisterly support and solidarity from women movements within the region or internationally

The issues raised above and more are known by all but it remains an unresolved puzzle why steps toward the positive direction are not being taken? Does it imply parties to conflict are resolved to wipe out the English Speaking population because of state sovereignty or independence? For how long will many continue to stay on the fence in the name of \"the conflict is an internal affair\"? If for the first month of 2021 we have registered about 40 or more dead what will be the situation by December? I choose to still hope that the situation can be improved upon. I envisage a time when every country, institution or individual will take concrete action to put an end to violence permanently in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon for we are all members of the human race.