Contested Sovereignty of Ambazonia and its Right to Self Determination

Abstract

The concept of sovereignty and the right to self-determination is deeply rooted in international law. This paper examines the historical background of the Ambazonia community’s quest for sovereignty based on the right to self-determination. The article examines Southern Cameroon’s historical trajectory and origins of the Ambazonia movement. This paper sheds light on the dynamics of the Anglophone (Ambazonia) crises, and the response from La République du Cameroun (Cameroon government). The paper underscores that although international law firmly opposes the right of secession, as it leads to dissecting the polity in existing states. It is however argued that the people of Ambazonia have a right to quest for self-determination due to oppression and human rights infringements by La République du Cameroun. The clamour of the Ambazonia movement for sovereignty is based on the entitlement to political independence, and grievance due to the lack of economic and social development of Southern Cameroon. This quest which has ushered violent acts by the state actors to suppress Ambazonia’s identity and cultural heritage. The finding of the study reveals that Southern Cameroon’s contest for sovereignty and right to self-determination is legal under international law and therefore needs the comity of states to intervene to deescalate the violent acts by La République du Cameroun. The article also examines the international community’s role in the conflict. Particularly, it focuses on the part Nigeria played in the crises and the construction of the friendly relationship between both countries. Further the article proffers recommendations peaceful solutions.