PROMISE: "We need to restore peace in the North West and South West Regions, ravaged by acts of violence perpetuated by secessionists. By meeting the legitimate expectations of our compatriots in the two regions and protecting them against excesses by the so-called liberators, we will prove that their future is truly within our Republic."
THE REALITY: Akem Ngong, a young and successful entrepreneur from Muteff village in the Fundong Subdivision of Boyo Division, North West Region, Cameroon, was an avid believer in a one and indivisible Cameroon, aligning with the perspective of the opposition Social Democratic Front (SDF) party. He had wished to take an active part in local politics once things returned to normal in the war-torn Anglophone regions, where separatist fighters sought separation from Francophone Cameroon. Given his party's promise to resolve the conflict through a federal system of government if given a chance in 2018, Akem Ngong secretly wished for Joshua Osih to become President, which would have allowed him to realize his modest dream of becoming an SDF councilor and contributing to Muteff village's development.
On September 29, 2018, during President Biya's campaign launch in Maroua, the regional capital of Cameroon's Far North Region, Biya vowed to address the legitimate concerns of citizens in the North West and South West regions, giving them reason to believe in a united and indivisible Cameroon. Akem Ngong heaved a sigh of relief on grounds the incumbent was also concerned about quickly bringing back peace and security to the Anglophone regions since plunged into war in 2017. When Paul Biya was declared winner of the October 7, 2018 Presidential elections, Ngong felt bad but prayed earnestly for the President to keep his promise and resolve the conflict as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Akem Ngong began mobilizing resources in preparation for the 2025 Parliamentary and municipal elections, later postponed to 2026 due to multiple elections scheduled for 2025. Unfortunately, separatist activities intensified in his local community, and Akem Ngong was brutally killed by Ambazonian fighters two years ago, allegedly for volunteering information to the Cameroon Defense and Security Forces.
Seven years later, and four months to yet another Presidential election where President Paul Biya is programmed to seek reelection, the situation remains volatile. Had Biya fulfilled his 2018 electoral promise of restoring peace in the North West and South West regions, ravaged by secessionist violence, Akem Ngong might still be alive today. During his campaign in Maroua, President Biya had stated, "By meeting the legitimate expectations of our compatriots in the two regions and protecting them against excesses by the so-called liberators, we will prove that their future is truly within our Republic."
One could argue that Akem Ngong was easily targeted because his Muteff community is far removed from Fundong, where a significant security presence resides. But what about the brazen killing of Dr. Ngong Innocent, Mayor of Belo, on May 20, 2024, at the Broadway Light intersection, despite being surrounded by uniformed officers? Or the incidents involving the Deputy Mayor of Bamenda II Council, in the heart of the regional capital; Senator Regina Mundi, who was kidnapped in Nkwen-Bamenda; and, more recently, Divisional Officer Ewane Roland of Idabato, who was also kidnapped, among others?
A survey conducted by The Colbert Factor last month using a well-structured questionnaire, revealed that 75% of Cameroonians still perceive the situation in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon as deteriorating. Furthermore, 47% of respondents reported witnessing or hearing about acts of violence on a daily basis.
However, it is worth noting that President Paul Biya followed up on his promise to resolve the conflict in the two English-speaking regions by initiating the Major National Dialogue in 2019 and introducing the Special Status bill, as well as establishing Houses of Chiefs in the regions. Additionally, he launched an ambitious Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction of the North West and South West Regions, along with Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) centers. Despite these efforts, it must be acknowledged that the measures taken by President Paul Biya and his government have not yet restored the much-needed peace in the restive regions. The ongoing violence is evident, with innocent civilians being killed regularly and one in every 10 persons reportedly kidnapped and ransomed daily in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon.
In 2018, Candidate-President Paul Biya outlined a 10-point commitment pledge aimed at improving Cameroon, which included: enhancing the living conditions of all citizens, consolidating peace, guaranteeing national unity and the right to diversity, accelerating economic emergence, fostering innovation, increasing the role of women and young people in governance, intensifying the fight against exclusion, promoting Cameroon's presence in Africa and globally, valuing arts, sports, and culture, and ensuring the defense and progress of the nation. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, we will track progress on these promises, as well as those made by other non-incumbent political leaders.
By Colbert Gwain @The Colbert Factor