Manchang Nkongho, the Divisional Officer (DO) of Bamenda II in critical condition from bullet wounds.
By Joseph FritzMcBobe
Endeley Quarters, Bokwango – Buea
LIMBE – July 17th, 2025 – The sudden shooting of Manchang Nkongho, the Divisional Officer (DO) of Bamenda II, in Limbe last night has stunned both administrative circles and the wider public. While official updates remain absent, multiple credible sources confirm that his condition is critical. As silence blankets the incident, speculation is spreading like wildfire.
But before assumptions take over, we ask: What are the facts? What are the possibilities? And what might this event reveal about the opaque workings of Cameroon’s political machinery?
- Why Was the DO of Bamenda II in Limbe?
Limbe, located in the Southwest Region, falls outside the jurisdiction of Bamenda II. By protocol, such travel—especially for a senior administrative official in a conflict zone—typically requires prior authorization from superiors or at least some level of coordination with local authorities.
Was the trip officially sanctioned?
Was it personal, professional, or discreet?
Did he notify security officials, or was this an unreported journey?
At this stage, no public record confirms the purpose or legality of his trip to Limbe.
- Was It an Inside Job—or Something Else?
Given the targeted nature of the attack, several theories are being considered:
A regime-orchestrated purge: Some observers believe the DO may have known too much, refused orders, or become a liability. In such cases, the regime has historically used discreet tactics to eliminate its own operatives without drawing suspicion.
A targeted Ambazonian self-defense strike: It’s possible the attack came from armed resistance groups who track and act on high-profile regime officials crossing into perceived hostile zones.
A criminal or personal vendetta: Limbe, like many urban areas in Cameroon, has seen a rise in criminality. Could this have been a mugging gone wrong—or was the DO caught in an unrelated dispute?
So far, no group has claimed responsibility, and the government remains silent.
- Who Knew His Itinerary?
This is where the mystery deepens.
If the DO was indeed traveling under the radar, someone knew his route and timing.
This raises the possibility of:
Leaked intelligence from within government or military ranks.
A coordinated plan based on inside knowledge.
A setup that made him vulnerable in enemy territory.
- The Ethnicity Factor: Watch His Replacement
Observers note a troubling pattern in the way senior posts are managed within the Biya regime: elimination followed by quiet ethnic reassignments.
If DO Nkongho, an Anglophone, is replaced by someone from the Beti-Ewondo elite, it may point to a prearranged administrative reshuffle—with ethnic loyalty to the regime taking precedence over regional or merit-based appointments.
This would align with long-running practices where key positions in restive areas are used as political tools to reward loyalty and neutralize dissent.
But it is too early to jump to conclusions. Let’s watch the replacement process closely.
- Was Nkongho in Conflict With Someone?
As DO of a hotbed like Bamenda II, Nkongho would have had access to sensitive briefings, control over security operations, and knowledge of internal political dynamics. It is entirely plausible that:
He resisted certain oppressive orders.
He was perceived as too moderate or sympathetic to locals.
He had become a pawn in a broader turf war within the regime.
Or perhaps… he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Conclusion: A Dangerous Game Behind the Curtain
While it is tempting to draw conclusions, we must remain cautious. The facts are limited. But what’s clear is this:
A high-ranking government official was shot under mysterious circumstances.
There is no official explanation, no claim of responsibility, and no public investigation—yet.
The next appointment may speak volumes about what truly happened behind the scenes.
As Cameroon continues to struggle with internal dissent, administrative reshuffles, and the brutal war in the Southern Cameroons, incidents like this serve as reminders of how deep and shadowy the power games have become.
We will keep watching.
This is The Independentist, reporting what others won’t. Stay tuned for updates as the story unfolds.
Joseph FritzMcBobe
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