A leading Cameroonian human rights advocate, Nkongho Felix Agbor Balla, has voiced strong concern following the government’s latest appointments to the board of a newly created state electricity body, warning that the continued exclusion of Anglophones risks deepening national divisions.
The controversy follows a presidential decree establishing the electricity company SOCADEL and naming members of its board of directors. Notably, none of those appointed are from Cameroon’s English-speaking regions.
Barrister Agbor Balla, who heads the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, described the omission as “not an oversight, but a reflection of a deeper and persistent problem” in the country’s governance.
“A Question of Representation”
Cameroon’s modern state was formed through the unification of its Francophone and Anglophone territories, formerly administered separately during the colonial period. This dual heritage, many argue, requires careful balancing in public institutions. “How is it possible that not a single Anglophone is represented?” Agbor Balla asked in a statement issued from the CHRDA Buea head office.
He stressed that while government appointees are expected to serve the nation as a whole, representation remains essential in practice. “Equity matters. Inclusion matters,” he said, adding that consistent absence from decision-making bodies sends a “clear and dangerous message.”
Silence Among Leaders
The lawyer also criticized what he described as a lack of response from Anglophone political and traditional leaders, including senior officials in government. “Silence in the face of such imbalance is not neutrality; it is complicity,” he said, calling on leaders to speak out and demand fairer representation.
His remarks reflect a broader frustration among some Anglophone communities, who say their concerns are often dismissed as mere complaints.
A Longstanding Issue
Tensions between Anglophone and Francophone regions in Cameroon have persisted for decades, rooted in differences in legal, educational, and administrative systems. Concerns over marginalization have periodically resurfaced, particularly in appointments to key national institutions.
Agbor Balla warned that failure to address such grievances could further erode trust in public institutions. “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu,” he said, underscoring the stakes of exclusion.
Calls for Immediate Action
Despite the controversy, the member of the Cameroon Bar Association pointed to what he described as a “window of opportunity” as the newly appointed board prepares to designate its leadership, including a chairperson and executive management.
He urged those involved to act with “fairness, responsibility, and national cohesion" and called on Anglophone representatives to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps. “This is a moment to engage, to demand fairness, and to truly represent the people,” he said.
Government Response Awaited
At the time of publication, the Cameroonian government had not publicly responded to the concerns raised. For many in the South West and North West regions, however, the issue resonates deeply. As debates continue, observers say the handling of such concerns will be closely watched as a test of the country’s commitment to unity and inclusive governance.
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