Agbor Balla Discusses Form of State with Issa Tchiroma

By Njong Shey

Human rights lawyer and supporter of Barrister Akere Muna’s Now Movement, Barrister Agbor Balla, has held talks with former Minister of Employment Issa Tchiroma Bakary on the prospects of changing the form of state in a post-Paul Biya transition.

In a social media post, Agbor Balla described the discussions as thought-provoking.

Aside from the form of state, which he noted remains a central issue in Cameroon’s national conversation, they also reflected on the future of the country and its democratic transition.

“I had a constructive and thought-provoking discussion with Mr Issa Tchiroma Bakary, former minister and now presidential candidate,” Balla stated.

“Our exchange focused on the future of Cameroon, democratic transition, and the form of the state, an issue that remains central to our national conversation.”

Agbor Balla is among Cameroonians who believe the country needs a federal system of government to devolve powers which analysts say have been highly centralised under President Paul Biya’s 42-year rule.

While serving as Minister of Communication, Tchiroma had once interpreted President Biya’s stance that “the nature of the state is non-negotiable” to mean there would be no federation or secession.

This was amid the ongoing separatist armed conflict in the English-speaking regions, which started as a lawyers and teachers protest, with Agbor Balla as one of its leaders.

Agbor Balla and other leaders of the strike were arrested and detained for eight months.

However, since resigning from the Biya government last month, Tchiroma’s position on the form of state appears to have shifted.

According to Agbor Balla, their conversation centred on how the structure of the state must be people-centred, inclusive, and responsive to Cameroon’s rich diversity.

“The form of the state is not just a constitutional question, it is about justice, representation, and sustainable development,” he added.

The meeting in Yaoundé came barely a day after 92-year-old President Paul Biya declared his candidacy for the October 2025 election.

Agbor Balla has been actively urging Cameroonians to register and vote massively in the October polls.

He has also met with several opposition politicians to discuss ways to improve governance and change the current regime.

“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,” he said.

Tchiroma, who recently announced his presidential candidacy under the banner of his National Salvation Front party, has openly criticized Biya’s 42-year regime as “a mess.”

Having served in the government twice before his eventual resignation, Tchiroma cited distrust and unfulfilled promises as reasons for his departure.