By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – Human Rights activist, Nkongho Felix Agbor has called on Anglophones not to give up on the debate surrounding the creation of a Vice Presidency in Cameroon, arguing that meaningful political inclusion remains essential for national unity and lasting peace.
In an opinion piece titled “Why Anglophones Should Not Give Up on the Vice Presidency,” the prominent human rights advocate acknowledged growing frustration among many Anglophones who feel marginalised and excluded from governance after years of conflict, insecurity and political tensions.
According to Agbor Balla, many English-speaking Cameroonians have become politically exhausted due to what he described as underrepresentation, broken trust and unfulfilled promises within the country’s political system.
Despite this growing disappointment, he insisted that Anglophones should not completely abandon the conversation on institutional representation at the highest level of the state. “The debate about a Vice President is not merely about titles or positions,” he wrote. “It is fundamentally about recognition, inclusion, balance, visibility and national belonging.”
Agbor Balla argued that the creation of a properly structured Vice Presidency, backed by constitutional guarantees and clearly defined powers, could serve as an important mechanism for reassuring marginalised communities that they remain equal stakeholders in the Cameroonian state.
He maintained that Anglophones have historically advocated for institutional arrangements capable of protecting the country’s bilingual and bicultural identity. According to him, abandoning the debate entirely would amount to giving up on reforms that could strengthen inclusion, trust and national cohesion.
However, the lawyer stressed that Anglophones should reject symbolic representation without real authority or constitutional substance. He said the real discussion should instead focus on issues such as constitutional powers attached to the office, protection against exclusion, decentralisation, regional autonomy, equal opportunities, preservation of the Common Law system and Anglo-Saxon educational heritage, as well as merit-based political inclusion.
Agbor Balla also warned that Cameroon cannot achieve lasting peace if significant sections of the population continue to feel excluded from governance and national opportunities. He called on Anglophones to continue investing in civic engagement, education, leadership, economic empowerment and democratic participation while pursuing peaceful and constructive dialogue.
“Political change is often slow, imperfect and frustrating,” he stated, “but history repeatedly shows that sustained engagement frequently achieves more than total withdrawal.”
The founder of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, CHRDA, further argued that Cameroon’s future should be built on partnership, justice, equality and mutual respect rather than domination and political tokenism.
He described the demand for meaningful representation as a legitimate democratic aspiration aimed at building a country where every citizen feels respected, protected and valued. “The struggle for meaningful inclusion must continue, peacefully, strategically, democratically and with hope,” Agbor Balla said.
