Conflict resolution is not about pretending everything is fine. It is about identifying the mindset behind the behavior, confronting it honestly, and deciding who can move forward with you. Until we understand why people respond the way they do, we will continue fighting the wrong battles.

There are four types of responses we see again and again: ignorance, cowardice, compromise, and justification. Each one produces its own kind of conflict. Let’s break them down.

1. Ignorance: They Do Not Know

Ignorance is the most innocent form of resistance. Some people genuinely do not know the history. They do not understand trusteeship law. They do not know about Resolution 1608 or Article 76(b). They are simply repeating what they heard in school, from politicians, or from the media.

Conflict appears because they are arguing from a place of confusion, not knowledge.

The solution is simple: teach them.

People in this group often change quickly once the facts are clear. Ignorance is not a character problem. It is an information gap. Once the gap is filled, the conflict usually disappears.

2. Cowardice: They Know the Truth but Stay Silent

Cowardice creates almost as much damage as ignorance, but for a different reason. These people understand the issue. They have read the documents. They know the union treaty was never signed. They know the trusteeship system was never completed. But they refuse to say anything.

Their silence is not because they are confused. It is because they are scared.

Common reasons include:

• fear of losing a job

• fear of losing business contracts

• fear of being watched or targeted

• fear of upsetting Francophone colleagues

• fear of being labeled extremist

• fear of being socially isolated

• fear of conflict

Cowardice produces conflict because the people who should speak do not, and their silence leaves room for misinformation to grow. You cannot build a nation with people who fear truth more than they fear injustice.

We can understand their fear, but we cannot allow fear to lead us.

3. Compromise: They Know the Truth but Choose Convenience

Compromise is when someone knows exactly what is wrong but chooses the path that benefits them personally. These people are informed. They know the facts. They know the legal reality. They know what the UN records say. But instead of standing for truth, they choose comfort.

Why do they compromise?

• to protect their salary

• to maintain political connections

• to avoid being on the wrong side of the regime

• to get appointments, favors, or benefits

• to keep access to privileges

• to avoid the discomfort of sacrifice

Compromise produces conflict because it creates false unity. It rewards those who betray truth and penalizes those who stand for it. A movement built on compromise will collapse the moment pressure arrives.

We cannot accept compromise because it turns the mission into a market where truth is traded for comfort.

4. Justification: They Do Wrong and Explain It as Strategy

This group is the most dangerous because they try to make weakness look like wisdom. They compromise, then begin teaching others to compromise. They silence truth and call it maturity. They support injustice and call it peace.

Their favorite statements include:

• “We need to be realistic.”

• “This fight is too complicated.”

• “Let us not disturb the peace.”

• “Nothing will change, so move on.”

• “Unity is more important than truth.”

• “We are all Cameroonians anyway.”

• “Let us wait for the right moment.”

Justification produces conflict because it creates a culture where wrong is normalized. It encourages people to betray their own conscience while pretending they are being wise. These individuals damage the movement more than open enemies because they weaken it from within.

We forgive them as individuals, but we cannot accept their logic.

Why These Behaviors Must Be Confronted

Ignorance spreads confusion.
Cowardice silences truth.
Compromise destroys integrity.
Justification normalizes surrender.

Conflict resolution means we stop pretending these behaviors are acceptable. We must confront them, identify them, and decide who has the character to walk with us.

The goal is not to create enemies. The goal is to create clarity.
When you understand where someone stands, you know how to relate with them.

With the ignorant, teach.
With the cowardly, encourage but do not depend.
With the compromising, be cautious.
With the justifiers, maintain distance.

A nation cannot be built on confusion, fear, selfishness, and excuses. It can only be built on truth, clarity, and courage.

This is the foundation of real conflict resolution.