“Divide and Rule”: Espoir Matomba Scrutinizes Govt Plan to Create New Divisions

By Tata Mbunwe

The two-time presidential candidate Serge Espoir Matomba has scrutinized the government’s plan to create additional Divisions and Subdivisions, terming it a “divide and rule” strategy.

Matomba, who is the leader of the PURS party, argues that more administrative units further divide Cameroonians. He proposes that the country’s 10 regions be reduced to five and the current 58 Divisions trimmed to 30.

His statement responds to a fax message from the Minister of Territorial Administration, dated December 2, which instructed regional governors to submit proposals for the creation of new Divisions and Subdivisions.

Minister Atanga Nji, who signed the message, said the move was to improve coverage of the national territory.

“The current division was not designed by Cameroonians themselves, and it reflects neither our cultural realities, nor our environmental dynamics, nor our aspirations for modern governance,” argued Matonba.

“However, it is crucial to emphasize that for us, redistricting does not mean multiplying administrative units. On the contrary, it is about rationalizing, consolidating, and building more coherent and effective territorial entities,” he added.

Reducing the number of administrative units in the country, he asserted, will “strengthen national cohesion by transcending artificial divides and valuing cultural and geographical affinities”.

He also believed this will reduce operating costs, improving the coordination of public policies, fast-track decentralization and foster better living together.

Cameroon’s Territorial map is structured into regions (10), which is the top level of territorial administration, followed by Divisions (58) and Subdivisions or districts (360).

Established based on the French colonial governance structure, this design has often been criticised for concentrating power in the hands of Governors, Senior Divisional Officers (Prefects) and Divisional Officers (Sub-Prefects), who are appointed and not elected.

Others think the multiplicity of administrative units promotes more division among Cameroonians rather than self-governance.

“The policy of ‘divide and rule’ has shown its limits in our environment. It is time to turn the page on territorial fragmentation and embrace a bold, inclusive, and forward-looking vision,” said Espoir Matomba.

“The administrative redistricting we advocate for is an act of sovereignty, territorial justice, and state modernization. It must be conducted with rigor, transparency, and a participatory approach so that every Cameroonian can recognize themselves in it and fully support it,” he added.