In this episode, Ambassador Lou O’Neill unpacks Moldova’s ongoing struggles with frozen conflicts in Transnistria and Gagauzia, the far-reaching ramifications of Russian influence, and how the war in Ukraine has reshaped the region’s dynamics.

Drawing from his tenure as OSCE Ambassador to Moldova (2006–2008), Lou provides critical insights into Moldova’s October 2024 EU accession and presidential election votes—controversial and closely contested, with EU accession winning by a narrow margin.

Lou reflects on cultural dynamics, offering insights into how Moldova can leverage its EU aspirations to foster unity and progress.

Discover how geopolitical strategies, diplomatic creativity, and evolving contexts could shape Moldova’s future in this pivotal episode.

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In Part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Lilian Atanga and Henry Atem on the Southern Cameroon conflict, we dive into the 2022 Canada Peace Talks, where the Ambazonia delegation—comprising leaders from various separatist groups—worked to build internal cohesion and present a united front. Their efforts, along with those of the Canadian facilitators, were met with an abrupt withdrawal by the Cameroonian government after three meetings, followed by its denial of ever participating in the talks.

Dr. Lilian Atanga and Henry Atem break down how the Canada process was structured and highlight the critical role of inclusivity in peace negotiations. They also reflect on how the pattern of the government’s actions in peace processes over the years underscore its reluctance to engage in genuine negotiations to settle the conflict.

Tune in for a powerful conversation on this pivotal moment in the Southern Cameroon conflict, the lessons learned, and what lies ahead for the path to peace.

In this episode of the Lawyering Peace podcast, we delve into the complex and ongoing conflict between Anglophone Southern Cameroon (Ambazonia) and the Francophone central government of Cameroon. Rooted in a history of colonization by different powers, the two regions developed distinct cultures. Over decades, this divide has been exacerbated by persistent systemic marginalization and discrimination against Southern Cameroonians. In 2016, these divisions escalated into an armed conflict involving numerous separatist groups and leaving civilians caught in the crossfire.

Joining the discussion are two expert voices from the Board of Directors of the Coalition for Dialogue and Negotiation, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to fostering dialogue and peacebuilding in Cameroon. Dr. Lilian Atanga and Henry Atem Oben provide critical insights into the series of failed peace processes leading up to the 2022 Canada Talks. These include the 2016 teachers' and lawyers' strike, the government’s reneged offer of federalism, the 2019 National Dialogue, and the 2020–2022 Geneva Initiative. Together, they highlight how these efforts reveal the Cameroonian government’s repeated missed opportunities to negotiate a peaceful resolution with Ambazonia.

The episode delves into how the Ambazonia delegation, supported by the Coalition for Dialogue and Negotiation, prepared for the 2022 Canada Talks, and explores the delegation’s positions on key issues such as self-determination, disarmament, and accountability for atrocity crimes.

Tune in for a deep dive into the history, challenges, and opportunities of this conflict. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we analyze the 2022 Canada Peace Talks and discuss what’s next for Ambazonia.