Agbor Balla Meets Presidential Candidate Issa Tchiroma: A Call for Inclusive Dialogue on Cameroon’s Future
Yaoundé, Cameroon – July 14, 2025
In a significant political gesture amid rising tensions and uncertainties ahead of Cameroon’s October 2025 presidential election, Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor Balla, renowned human rights advocate and former detainee, met with presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary for a “constructive and thought-provoking discussion” on the future of the country. The meeting was announced through Agbor Balla’s social media platform, “Agbor Balla Speaks,” and has since gained widespread attention.
A Dialogue Rooted in Reform
The conversation, as shared in a Facebook post, revolved around key national issues including democratic transition, the structure of the Cameroonian state, and pathways to sustainable peace and development.
“We reflected on how the structure of the state must be people-centered, inclusive, and responsive to our country’s rich diversity… The form of the state is not just a constitutional question—it is about justice, representation, and sustainable development,” Agbor Balla wrote.
This comes at a pivotal time as the country grapples with growing calls for reform, particularly from the Anglophone regions where the long-standing Ambazonia conflict continues to rage.
Agbor Balla’s Unique Role in the Crisis
Agbor Balla, a lawyer and civil rights activist, rose to national and international prominence as a leading figure in the Anglophone crisis, which erupted in 2016 when teachers and lawyers in the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions protested against marginalization by the Francophone-dominated central government. He was arrested in 2017 and detained for several months without trial, following peaceful protests demanding judicial and educational reforms.
Though not aligned with armed separatist movements, Agbor Balla has consistently advocated for non-violent dialogue, constitutional reform, and federalism as potential solutions to the crisis. His approach has drawn both praise for its realism and criticism from hardline factions on both sides.
His meeting with Issa Tchiroma, a former Minister of Communication and once staunch ally of President Paul Biya, reflects a notable effort to bridge ideological and political divides in pursuit of national unity.
Tchiroma’s Presidential Bid and the Search for Transition
Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who served multiple times under Biya’s regime, is now positioning himself as a presidential candidate in the 2025 elections. His campaign is expected to focus on continuity with reform, a message that resonates with parts of the political establishment but is also being tested in a political environment where youth movements, civil society, and separatist sentiments are demanding sweeping change.
The meeting between Tchiroma and Agbor Balla may signal an attempt to build cross-regional and cross-ideological consensus—an essential ingredient for any serious discussion on the country’s future, especially on the contentious issue of decentralization or federalism.
An Open Call for Unity
Agbor Balla emphasized the importance of dialogue across political and ideological lines, writing:
“At this critical juncture, open conversations across political lines are vital for the unity and progress of our nation. No matter our backgrounds or ideologies, we must put Cameroon first.”
This message, while optimistic, also underscores the deep fractures that persist within the nation. As the 2025 elections draw nearer, such engagements may help shape not just electoral platforms but the broader national conversation on peace, justice, and structural reform.
In a country scarred by conflict, authoritarianism, and mutual mistrust, the meeting between Agbor Balla and Issa Tchiroma offers a glimmer of what many Cameroonians yearn for: genuine, inclusive dialogue about the nation’s future. Whether this moment translates into tangible political outcomes remains to be seen—but the conversation has begun.
Background:
- Agbor Balla: Human rights lawyer, former political prisoner, founder of the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA).
- Issa Tchiroma Bakary: Former Biya government spokesperson, now opposition candidate with a reputation for defending state authority.
- Ambazonia Conflict: An ongoing armed struggle by English-speaking separatists seeking independence from French-speaking Cameroon. Thousands have died, and over a million people have been displaced.
