Uchiba Nelson,
Dear Editor
I write to your online news publication in reaction to Barrister Felix Abgor Balla’s call on Ambazonians to register and vote in LRC elections.
Agbor Balla, It Is Provocative to Use Compromised Francophone Politicians as a Call for Unity Among Ambazonians
It is becoming increasingly disturbing to see individuals who once inspired hope in the Ambazonian struggle now attempting to lecture us on unity while dining with the very forces responsible for our oppression. Agbor Balla’s recent unsolicited appeal for Ambazonian unity—anchored around the political movements of controversial figures like Bello Bouba Maigari and Issa Tchiroma Bakari—is not only misguided, but deeply provocative.
To be very honest, many people in both La République du Cameroun and parts of Ambazonia appear to suffer from a political form of Stockholm Syndrome. They have willingly submitted themselves to decades of systemic oppression by figures who have repeatedly betrayed the people’s trust. The so-called resignations by Bello Bouba and Issa Tchiroma—both long-time collaborators in Biya’s CPDM regime—are being touted by some, including Agbor Balla, as inspirational moments for change. But in truth, these are recycled maneuvers from politicians who have for over three decades helped sustain one of Africa’s most enduring authoritarian systems.
The glorification of these individuals as models of change is insulting to the collective memory of Ambazonians who have endured war, exile, and genocide since 2017. Balla’s attempt to use these figures to rally Ambazonians is tone-deaf at best, and a calculated distraction at worst.
The 1992 Betrayal and Its Legacy
Let us not forget: In 1992, both Bello Bouba and Issa Tchiroma ran as opposition leaders, claiming to challenge Paul Biya’s dictatorship. Yet, not long after the elections, they crossed the floor and accepted ministerial positions within the very regime they had denounced. For 33 years, they have served faithfully under Biya, contributing to the degradation of political freedoms and the marginalization of Anglophones.
That Agbor Balla is now publicly referencing these individuals as mobilization icons speaks volumes about his political compass today. It suggests a willingness to recycle failed models of political compromise at a time when Ambazonians are charting a clear course for sovereignty.
Ambazonia Is Not in a Popularity Contest
Balla’s assertion that Ambazonians must unite because “Francophones are mobilizing” is fundamentally flawed. Ambazonia is not in a competition of popularity or numerical strength with La République. Our struggle is rooted in legal, historical, and moral claims—not in how many Francophone politicians have resigned or regrouped.
If unity is to be achieved in Ambazonia, it must be based on principles, on justice, and on a shared commitment to self-determination—not on opportunistic alliances or foreign templates. Suggesting that Ambazonians follow the footsteps of known political opportunists is deeply condescending.
You Cannot Represent Two Nations
Agbor Balla must understand that once one aligns with La République’s political establishment, one cannot simultaneously claim to speak for Ambazonia. Politics is not a game of “epesse.” It is a serious matter of loyalty, accountability, and vision. If Balla has chosen to align with Yaoundé, he should speak plainly as a spokesman for La République and not pretend to represent Ambazonian interests.
His continued double-speak only adds to the confusion and mistrust that plagues the resistance. Ambazonians have matured past the days when grand rhetoric and vague calls for peace could distract us from our ultimate goal: total independence and restoration of the Southern Cameroons.
Final Word
Agbor Balla must understand the weight of history and the expectations of a people who have shed blood, lost homes, and endured humiliation for daring to demand freedom. This is not the time for half-measures or borrowed courage from discredited Francophone politicians. If he has something to offer Ambazonia, let it be grounded in truth, integrity, and a firm rejection of those who have betrayed their people for personal gain.
As we move forward, Ambazonians must be vigilant. The path to freedom is littered not just with the traps of our enemies, but with the illusions cast by our former allies.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author, Uchiba Nelson, and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Government of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia.
Uchiba Nelson,
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