National Day Celebration: Barrister Agbor Balla Says Unity Must be Rooted in Justice, Equity, and Mutual Respect
Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor popularly known as “Agbor Balla”, President of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA), has issued a powerful statement emphasizing the true meaning of unity. According to the renowned legal mind and human rights activist, unity must be rooted in justice, equity, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.
He emphasized that the significance of May 20 lies in the transition from a federal to a unitary state in 1972, a decision which he opines, remains a subject of debate for many Cameroonians.
While some view it as a symbol of national cohesion, Barrister Agbor Balla maintains that others particularly those from the English-speaking regions, see it as the beginning of marginalization and the erosion of the federal promise that once protected cultural and political diversity.
In light of this, the president of CHRDA urges Cameroonians to recommit to building a nation where diversity is celebrated, not suppressed, and where dissent is protected, not punished.
He emphasizes that every citizen, regardless of background, should feel heard, valued, and empowered. To achieve this, Barrister Agbor Balla calls for a genuine and inclusive national dialogue, not as a mere formality, but as a pathway to healing and constitutional reform.
Furthermore, he advocates for a return to democratic principles, with free expression, the rule of law, and independent institutions at the core. Barrister Agbor Balla also demands justice for victims of violence, including those affected by the ongoing conflict in the North West and South West Regions, emphasizing the need to rethink the national identity, where unity does not mean uniformity but rather respect for historical foundations and pluralism.
As Cameroonians celebrate their National Day, the civic and human rights defender reminds them that May 20 should not only be a celebration of the past but a rededication to a better future, a future where according to him, unity is built through inclusion, not imposition.
He concludes by emphasizing that the voice, power, and future of Cameroonians are crucial in shaping the nation's destiny.
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