By Metiege Divine Njikang, Esq
( Senior Magistrate)
Introduction
Cameroon is passing through challenging times in its political journey, particularly in the North West and South West Regions, and more specifically in Kupe Muanenguba Division. The question of representation has become a matter of grave concern because those entrusted to defend the interests of the population often pursue narrow personal gains. This betrayal of trust leaves the people voiceless in a system that should reflect their aspirations.
This write-up is motivated purely by love for our division, not for praise or recognition, and aims to conscientize our people, our elites, and our representatives about the responsibilities they owe to Kupe Muanenguba Division.
The Meaning of Representation
Representation is a sacred mandate derived from the people. According to Section 2(1) of the 1996 Constitution of Cameroon,
“National sovereignty shall be vested in the people of Cameroon who shall exercise same either through the President of the Republic and Members of Parliament or by way of referendum.”
Elected or appointed representatives, whether in the National Assembly, the Senate, or local councils, carry a trust not for personal enrichment, but for the common good. Representation is service; it is accountability, integrity, and leadership—not a platform for self-glorification.
The Betrayal of the People
Kupe Muanenguba Division has long suffered from a crisis of representation. Instead of leaders advocating for development, peace, and fairness, the Division has often been plagued by elite focused on personal advancement.
Of particular concern is the Senator who propagates hate speech, further dividing communities instead of promoting unity and progress. We have seen the good works of Senators and Paliamentarians of other constituencies yet nothing to show or proud of in Kaupemuanguba Division
This betrayal has manifested in:
Neglected roads and infrastructure,
Crumbling health and educational systems,
Farmers abandoned without support,
Youths left vulnerable to poverty, unemployment, and crime.
Section 66 of the 1996 Constitution requires public officials to declare assets to prevent corruption. Yet, neglect, divisive behavior, and self-interest continue to dominate the relationship between elites and the grassroots.
The Call for Genuine Representation
It is time for a new dawn in Kupe Muanenguba. Genuine representatives must:
Be accountable to the people, not personal networks or political elite.
Prioritize development, focusing on roads, schools, hospitals, and agriculture.
Be the voice of the voiceless, raising the Division’s concerns at the national level without fear or compromise.
Respect traditional institutions, collaborating with chiefs and community leaders.
Empower women and youths, who form the backbone of society.
Reject hate speech and divisive politics, promoting unity, dialogue, and collaboration.
Encourage bottom-to-top participation in representative selection, allowing communities to build their lists without undue interference, as exemplified by Professor Ngole Ngole Elvis, who ensured neutrality during the selection of divisional representatives for Bangem, Nguti, and Tombel.
The Imperative of Infrastructure and Development
Kupe Muanenguba’s greatest challenge remains access roads, critical for commerce, social mobility, and development. In this 21st century, some villages have never seen a vehicle in their soil. Development cannot thrive in isolation.
We call upon our top elite, including Professor Ngole Ngole Elvis C.P.D.M Central committee Yaounde, Okie Johnson Ndoh Yaounde, Ediage Herbert SOWEDA Buea, Dr Chief Atem Ebako Regional Assembly Buea, Mr Mbong Micheal Mbine Maetur Yaounde, Mr Mbulle Mbulle Valentine Bertua, Professor Goerge Ewane Ngide Presidency Yaounde, Professor Akume Daniel ENSECT KUMBA, General Ekungwese Divine Nnoko Douala, Lord Chief , Justice Chief Epuli Chacellery MINJUS Yaounde, Mr Epie Jerome senior custom Bamenda, Mr Nkwelle Ngome MINAT Yaounde , Mr Ojong Martin London, Professor Sone Ewang Andrew, Mr MBOLLO Aaron, Mr Ngolle philip Ngwesse Canada, Minister Elung Paul, and other senior community leaders who know themselves but whose names are not here including all chiefs, to galvanize, lobby, and advocate for the opening and maintenance of access roads across all towns and villages in the Division. Key cases include:
Tombel–Bangem road, a hub for agricultural products, yet crops often rot due to lack of transportation.
Ngusi–Mbabe–Western Bakossi roads, still on paper and inaccessible. Bangem-Nkikok-Muabi road
Bangem–Nguti road, still unresolved despite acknowledgment of efforts from President Paul Biya.
Melong–Bangem road, in deplorable condition, limiting development.
These roads are not luxuries but legal and moral rights under Article 25 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the right to development.
Recognition and Exemplary Leadership
We commend:
Professor Ewane George Ngide, whose efforts facilitated rural electrification in Bulutu, Banbele, and Ehom, through aid from the Presidency.
Professor Ngole Ngole Elvis, for upholding neutrality during the selection of divisional representatives and respecting grassroots participation.
Minister Elung Paul, for championing peace, unity, and culture through initiatives such as BAFAC – Bakossi Arts and Cultural Festival, held in Tombel from 27th to 30th August 2025, which fostered brotherliness and cultural pride.
We urge other elite to emulate these examples by:
Investing in infrastructure and education,
Supporting academic excellence and providing didactic materials to school children,
Promoting community cohesion and peace.
We also call upon all representatives to avoid divisive outings, speeches, or actions. If parliamentarians or senators have nothing constructive to say, it is better to remain silent than to make statements that expose their meanness and make Kupe Muanenguba a laughing-stock.
Legal and Moral Imperatives
African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1989): guarantees the right to freely choose representatives and benefit from accountable governance.
UN Charter, Article 1(2): emphasizes self-determination and human dignity.
1996 Constitution of Cameroon, Sections 2(1) and 66: uphold sovereignty of the people, transparency, and accountability.
Kupe Muanenguba deserves leaders who embody these principles, who unify rather than divide, and who protect the people’s future.
Conclusion
The people of Kupe Muanenguba must rise to demand genuine, accountable representation leaders who serve with dignity, courage, and loyalty. The era of betrayal, corruption, neglect, and hate speech must end.
This is not a call for political recognition. It is a legal and moral demand, rooted in national and international law, guided by love for our division. Let genuine representation return to Kupe Muanenguba so that the dreams of our ancestors and the hopes of future generations may be fulfilled.