By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, PAV – Human rights advocate Nkongho Felix Agbor, popularly known as Agbor Balla, has questioned the absence of Anglophone representation on the Board of Directors of Cameroon’s newly created state-owned electricity company, Société Camerounaise d’Électricité (SOCADEL).
Reacting to the presidential decree that restructured the electricity sector and formalised the transition from ENEO to SOCADEL, Agbor Balla described the situation as “a fundamental and troubling issue,” asking, “How is it possible that not a single Anglophone is represented?” He argued that the omission is not merely accidental but indicative of a “deeper and persistent problem” of exclusion.
On May 4, President Paul Biya signed a decree, transforming ENEO Cameroon S.A. into a fully state-owned corporation now known as the Cameroon Electricity Corporation (SOCADEL). The move, which effectively nationalises the country’s main electricity provider, comes at a time when frustration over persistent power outages has reached critical levels across the country.
A Question of Representation
Cameroon’s historical foundation as a union of two entities, the former British Southern Cameroons and French Cameroun, continues to shape discussions around governance and national cohesion. Agbor Balla emphasised that this dual heritage demands equitable representation across state institutions.
“Cameroon was built on the coming together of two peoples, commonly referred to today as Anglophones and Francophones, historically known as West and East Cameroonians. That historical reality demands not only recognition, but fair and equitable representation in national institutions,” he said.
According to him, the absence of Anglophones on the SOCADEL board sends a troubling signal, particularly in a sector as strategic as electricity, which directly impacts economic activity and daily life across the country.
The human rights advocate directed criticism toward Anglophone political and traditional leadership, questioning their silence on the issue. “Where are our leaders? Where are our elites, our parliamentarians, our ministers? Where is the Prime Minister?” he asked, suggesting that silence in such circumstances amounts to complicity.
He stressed that while government officials often argue that appointees serve the entire nation, representation remains a critical component of inclusive governance. “We are often told that those appointed serve the entire nation. That may be true in principle. But in practice, representation matters. Equity matters. Inclusion matters,” Agbor Balla insisted.
Broader Concerns of Marginalisation
Agbor Balla warned that repeated exclusion from decision-making spaces risks deepening feelings of marginalisation among Anglophone communities. “When a people are consistently absent from decision-making spaces, it sends a clear and dangerous message. We are tired of being told that raising these concerns is “complaining,” Balla said.
“We are tired of being expected to remain silent in the face of systemic exclusion. If you are not at the table, you are on the menu. I must say this plainly: I feel deeply disappointed in our leaders.”
The statement comes against the backdrop of longstanding grievances in the North West and South West regions, where issues of political inclusion, governance, and resource allocation have remained sensitive topics.
Despite his criticism, Agbor Balla pointed to an opportunity to address the imbalance. With the SOCADEL board expected to designate its chairperson and appoint senior management, he called on decision-makers to act in the interest of fairness and national unity.
“Today, as the Board meets to designate its Board Chair and appoint its Director and Deputy Director, there is still an opportunity to correct this imbalance. Those involved must act with a sense of fairness, responsibility, and national cohesion,” he urged.
Balla further challenged Anglophone leaders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to advocate for their communities. “This is a moment for Anglophone leaders to rise, not in words, but in action. To speak, to engage, and to demand fairness,” he said.
“Today, many Anglophones feel disappointed and rightly so. Something must change.”
