January 17, 2022

African Cup of Nations tournament: a symbol of unity and peace

topic:	Peace and Reconciliation
located:	Ethiopia, Cameroon, Sudan
editor:	Bob Koigi

The ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cameroon is not only offering the instant thrills that come with football, but also a platform and a space for the continent to unite outside of the stadium at a time when a host of countries have been contending with coups, protests and conflicts that have kept the continent on edge in the recent past. 

The host nation, Cameroon - a restive Central African country - has experienced intermittent conflict for over five years, pitting the anglophone Cameroonians (who make up an estimated 20 percent of the population) against the dominant francophone Cameroonians over marginalisation and discrimination. As football takes a central place in Cameroonians’ daily lives and fosters attitudes of peace and nationalism, the country is betting on the continental tournament to bring together its people in a spirit of solidarity and stability.

Meanwhile, as the Ethiopian conflict rages on, the national team, which is participating in AFCON, is made up of players drawn from across the country and is providing hope, joy and a “distraction from the conflict” as spectators and fans of the troubled Horn of African nation coalesce around what has become their symbol of unity. 

From the first tournament, which was held in 1957 in Sudan and attracted only a handful of teams and spectators, to the 2022 tournament that now boasts 24 participating teams, millions of fans and over 400 players who play for international clubs in Europe, China, USA, India and Qatar, the football contest has not only grown in numbers but in stature and influence, while also demonstrating the power of sports in peace-building, conflict resolution and in shaping African politics.

Photo by Jannik Skorna 

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