Methodology

We work closely with those most affected by the conflict in Cameroon to produce informed reporting about the conflict and ensure that it is received by those international actors who are able to effect change through their work in Cameroon. Our methodology makes use of documentary analysis, image/video documentation and semi-structured interviews. The combination of these, grounded in academic literature, informs our reporting and our advocacy position. In order to operationalise this, our project operates concurrently across three different work packages, which are detailed below.

Work Package 1: Management and grants

WP1 focuses on the management aspects of the project, ensuring smooth interaction between the different components of the project and the management of workloads of our staff members and visiting fellows. Tasks within this work package including risk assessment, data protection and ethical review; monitoring progress; and managing finances, as well as reporting back to our present funders and applying for further funding to support our work. WP1 is also responsible for developing and managing relationships with external partners.

Work Package 2: Research and impact

WP2 encompasses our research efforts, including initial scoping studies, deeper desk-based research, fieldwork interviewing (remotely from the UK or within Cameroon) and report/paper-writing and publishing. Our research is multi-disciplinary, drawing on literatures and expertise from both law and politics, and under this work package those approaches are synthesised to maximise their utility and interaction. This work package also includes the adaptation and use of our research in impact activities.

Work Package 3: Dissemination and advocacy

WP3 is responsible for disseminating our findings and advocating for policy change. The work package aims to inform and influence policy-making toward Cameroon at national and international levels, through direct engagement with appropriate policy-makers. Under this work package, we also inform the wider public and engage it in debates about the Cameroon conflict. Our audiences include policy-makers, civil servants, representatives of non-governmental organisations, civil society activists, representatives of think tanks and journalists among others. Our dissemination and advocacy activities are realised through a combination of bilateral meetings, engagement events, lectures and seminars and conference presentations, alongside the maintenance and use of this website and accompanying social media accounts so as to both deepen and broaden our engagement with diverse audiences.