Abendong Zacharia Akonung secretary to John Ngu Foncha, known to have written In 1962, to the Colonial Inspector of Administration, demanding the withdrawal of gendarmes from West Cameroon.
By The Independentist editorial Desk
Few names from the early years of Southern Cameroons politics shine as brightly as that of Mr. Abendong Zacharia Akonung. Though his life was cut short in 1963, his achievements as a student, politician, and community leader left an enduring mark on his people and on the history of our nation.
From Education to Leadership
Abendong was among the very first Southern Cameroonians to study in the United States. He attended Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, graduating around 1961. At a time when very few Africans had access to higher education abroad, his journey to America symbolized both personal determination and the collective aspirations of the Southern Cameroons people.
Upon his return, Abendong wasted no time stepping into leadership. He was elected to the West Cameroon House of Assembly, becoming one of the young voices representing his people during a period of political turbulence and change. His election made him one of the first Dickinson alumni to enter parliamentary life anywhere in Africa—a remarkable achievement that linked education abroad with political service back home.
A Bold Political Voice
Abendong was not one to shy away from tough issues. In 1962, he famously wrote to the Colonial Inspector of Administration, demanding the withdrawal of gendarmes from West Cameroon. At the time, tensions between Southern Cameroonians and La République du Cameroun were already high, and Abendong’s letter captured the spirit of resistance and dignity that continues to inspire Ambazonians today.
Some accounts even suggest that he was among the political leaders targeted during an attempted assassination of Prime Minister J.N. Foncha, showing just how significant a figure he had become in those formative years.
Deeply Rooted in Culture
Beyond politics, Abendong was also deeply loved in his community. He hailed from Abebong in the Ngie area of Momo County, where he carried the respect of both the young and the old. A proud son of Momo County, he stood as a shining example of leadership, courage, and service. When he passed away in July 1963, the mourning was unprecedented. Villages came together, traditional dance groups performed, and the people of Ngie gave him a farewell worthy of a statesman. His funeral remains etched in collective memory as a celebration of both leadership and cultural pride.
A Legacy for Today
Although his career was short-lived, Abendong Zacharia Akonung represents the best of Southern Cameroonian aspirations: education, service, courage, and cultural rootedness. He showed that it was possible for young leaders to step boldly onto the political stage, challenge injustice, and remain connected to their people.
In today’s struggle for Ambazonian freedom and dignity, Abendong’s story is more than history—it is a reminder. He reminds us that leadership requires both intellect and integrity, that our voices matter even against powerful forces, and that our culture must always stand alongside our politics.
Conclusion
Mr. Abendong Zacharia Akonung may have left this world in 1963, but his spirit still walks with Southern Cameroonians today. He was a pioneer, a lion-hearted leader, a proud son of Momo County, and truly the pride of Ambazonians. Dr. Samuel Ikome Sako’s vision is an extension of Abendong’s and of all who defended the rights of Southern Cameroonians. We shall never forget him, and his torch lives on today in the march toward an independent Ambazonia.
The Independentist editorial Desk
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