In Cameroon, inclusion Must Be Deliberate, not an Afterthought!
By Nkongho Felix Agbor “Agbor Balla”
The recent appointments within the National Assembly have once again sparked concerns about the representation of Anglophones in key national institutions.
While appointments are the prerogative of those entrusted with leadership, they also send important signals about inclusion, national cohesion, and the place of different communities within the State.
Concerns about representation were further reinforced when the maiden address to Parliament by the Speaker of the National Assembly was delivered entirely in French, unlike that of the President of the Senate, who addressed the nation in both official languages.
In a country that prides itself on bilingualism and multiculturalism, such symbolic gestures matter and contribute to public perceptions about inclusion and belonging.
For many Anglophones, these appointments are not viewed in isolation. They are seen as part of a broader and recurring pattern that has characterized public appointments across several sectors of national life.
Whether in state corporations, public institutions, strategic government agencies, boards, commissions, or senior administrative positions, concerns about equitable representation continue to surface.
This is not a new debate.
For decades, Anglophones have raised concerns about marginalization and underrepresentation. These concerns were among the issues that contributed to the grievances raised by teachers and lawyers in 2016 and continue to feature prominently in discussions on national cohesion today.
Numerous reports have been written, memoranda submitted, conferences organized, and discussions held on the need to ensure that all components of Cameroon are adequately represented in the management of public affairs.
The objective has never been to seek privilege or special treatment, but rather fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
Unfortunately, many Anglophones continue to feel that their participation in national decision-making structures is often treated as an afterthought.
When appointments are made, and entire communities struggle to see themselves reflected in the outcome, feelings of exclusion inevitably grow. Such perceptions, whether real or perceived, do little to strengthen national unity and confidence in public institutions.
The issue extends beyond any single appointment. It concerns the broader question of how Cameroon manages its diversity. Our country is strongest when every citizen and every community feels that they have a stake in its future and a place at the decision-making table.
Inclusion should not be viewed as a concession. It is a cornerstone of good governance, national integration, and sustainable peace.
A nation as diverse as Cameroon cannot afford to leave any segment of its population feeling overlooked or undervalued.
The solution is not resentment but a renewed commitment to fairness and balanced representation. Those entrusted with leadership at every level should be intentional in ensuring that appointments reflect the rich diversity of our nation. Doing so strengthens institutions, promotes trust, and reinforces the idea that every Cameroonian matters.
As we continue to build the Cameroon we want, the message remains simple: inclusion must be deliberate, not accidental; meaningful, not symbolic; and consistent, not occasional.
Only then can we truly speak of a united nation in which all citizens feel represented, respected, and valued.
The National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism has an important role to play in addressing such concerns. Many Cameroonians will look to the Commission to uphold the principles of bilingualism, inclusion, and equitable representation that lie at the heart of our national compact.
Beyond monitoring language use, the Commission should continue to promote a national culture in which every citizen, regardless of linguistic or regional background, feels fully represented in the institutions of the Republic
In Cameroon, inclusion Must Be Deliberate, not an Afterthought!
By Nkongho Felix Agbor “Agbor Balla”
