Political campaigns in Bamenda have unfolded under tense lockdowns, heavy security, and muted streets. Yet, amid the silence and uncertainty, one detail stood out during Hon. Cabral Libii’s rally on 2 October 2025 which was the presence of a sign language interpreter. In a city where many feel excluded from both politics and daily life by insecurity, that small gesture of inclusion spoke volumes.
Bamenda has already hosted three presidential campaign events in the run-up to the 12 October polls. While each candidate has attempted to connect with citizens under difficult conditions, Hon. Cabral Libii’s choice to stand beside an interpreter reminded many that politics cannot afford to ignore those often left out.
In the North West, exclusion takes many forms. Lockdowns keep traders from their markets, children from their schools, and patients from hospitals. Political activity itself remains restricted, with gatherings held under the watchful eyes of gendarmes and police.
Hon. Cabral Libii acknowledged this directly when Hilltopvoices asked about his massive security escort.
“I know that it is possible for me to stand here to speak to these empty spaces because gendarmes, militaries and policemen are in front and behind me,” he said adding “I imagine that a common person cannot stay here because he will not have the same security. The only word I can say is that this situation should stop. The economy here is stopped. Schools are closed. Public offices are closed. We have to find a solution.”
His words resonated with an audience that knows exclusion not only in the form of disability, but through displacement, poverty, and fear.
For Hon Cabral Libii, inclusion begins with dialogue.
“I am convinced that nobody has a miracle solution to end the war. But everywhere in the world, all wars end by peace agreement. If elected on 12 October, even if it will be necessary to delocalise the presidency to Bamenda, I will do it. The priority of priorities is to achieve peace in these two regions.” he said
In his Bamenda speech, Hon. Cabral Libii blended fiery critique of the regime with a message of unity. He apologised for past statements on a state of emergency and clarified his intention to “stop everything, if need be, to find peace.” He praised the diversity of Cameroon as a source of strength and promised that a government under his leadership would be “seated in the Anglophone regions until peace is fully restored.”
“Inclusion will be the key pillar to foster open conversations among all stakeholders, community leaders, civil society, youth and government representatives. We must respect our diversity. Cameroon’s strength lies in our bilingual heritage and multicultural richness.”
The presence of a sign language interpreter at his side reinforced that message. For many in Bamenda, it was not just symbolism. It was an affirmation that political promises of inclusion can begin with small, deliberate acts.
For ordinary residents, however, inclusion remains measured not in speeches but in lived experience.
Addressing Hon Cabral Libii, one of event attendees said the sign language gesture gave him hope.
Still, Hon. Cabral Libii’s campaign stop in Bamenda left behind a narrative of inclusion that was hard to ignore. In a region where exclusion has defined both conflict and politics, his appeal to dialogue, participation, and respect for diversity introduced a different tone.
Whether that message translates into votes on 12 October remains to be seen. But for a brief moment on a lockdown Thursday, as a sign language interpreter moved in rhythm with his words, inclusion itself took centre stage in Bamenda’s fragile political space.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices
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