On February 10, before President Paul Biya addressed the youths, Felix Agbor Nkongho, commonly known as Agbor Balla, had already shared his thoughts with them. Now, just a week later, on February 17, the human rights lawyer and president of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA) is back with another message—this time urging young people to register and vote in the upcoming presidential election, expected in October.
For Agbor Balla, voting is not just a civic duty; it is an opportunity for young people to shape a better future for themselves and their communities. He cited estimates suggesting that young people, aged 15 to 35, make up about 70% of Cameroon’s population. He emphasized the importance of this demographic, saying, “This group is crucial in shaping the country’s future, making their participation in politics and elections essential for meaningful change.”
What Can Youths Gain by Voting?
Agbor Balla warned that if young people fail to vote, they risk political apathy, with their voices continuously ignored. However, by voting, they can hold leaders accountable, influence both national and local policies, and press leaders to address youth-specific issues.
“Many of the challenges faced by young Cameroonians—such as unemployment, lack of access to quality education, and limited entrepreneurial opportunities—can be addressed through effective governance,” he stated. “Voting allows young people to support candidates and policies that prioritize these issues.”
A Second Message to Youths in One Week
This is not the first time Agbor Balla has spoken to the youth this week. On the eve of Youth Day, he urged young people to be mature and responsible, offering words that echoed the tone of President Biya’s speeches to the youth. In his “Dear Cameroonian Youths” address, which carried a similar sentiment to Biya’s annual messages, Agbor Balla said, “It is both an honor and a privilege to address you as we commemorate the 59th Youth Day, a day when we come together to celebrate the remarkable energy, passion, and potential you, our youth, bring to our nation.”
Balla acknowledged the challenges Cameroon has faced, but he praised the determination of the youth, saying, “Your determination has been a cornerstone in our journey towards peace and stability, a driving force in our economic advancements, and an essential element in strengthening our democratic processes.”
He emphasized that maturity and responsibility are the hallmarks of true leadership. “Today, I urge you to see yourselves as the architects of a peaceful and secure future,” he encouraged. His address centered on consolidating peace and security, driving economic growth, and strengthening democratic processes—key themes that have been consistent in his advocacy.
A Shift in Agbor Balla’s Focus?
Agbor Balla openly criticises the government’s handling of issues in the country, often condemning policies he sees as harmful to human rights and democracy. What drives his recent focus on the youth and his political messages?
Agbor Balla has long shown a strong interest in civil society organization but has never explicitly expressed any desire to enter politics. He was previously the leader of the outlawed Anglophone Civil Society Consortium, and his activism led to his arrest and eight months of detention. While he was offered a position to lead the judicial department of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) by the late Ni John Fru Ndi, he declined.
Although Balla has not directly mentioned any intention to join politics, his recent messages encouraging youth participation in elections may suggest a shift in his focus. Could this be a subtle signal of something more? Only time will tell.
