Kinkoh Eric Dzekem, the traditional ruler of Kikaikelaki, is facing a catch-22 situation after serious allegations of colluding with separatist groups in Kumbo, Bui Division. Bui is located in the restive North West Region of Cameroon. It is also one of the conflict-ridden anglophone regions.
In a query letter dated September 10, 2024, the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) of Bui, Menyong Sunday Gilbert, accused Chief Dzekem, the traditional ruler of Kikaikelaki, of defying both state institutions and the Nso traditional system, thus destabilizing public order. This comes from an earlier commitment by Mr. Dzekem in 2023 to cease his involvement with separatist groups when he was first called out.
Rebellion?
The allegations center on Mr. Dzekem’s self-declaration as the “Fon” of Ngomantse, a move that reportedly violates the traditional hierarchy of the Nso Fondom. His public appearance with the royal throne in Kikaikelaki—a privilege reserved for the paramount ruler of the Nso people—has sparked controversy, as authorities see it as a direct challenge to the existing leadership structure.
Mr. Dzekem is also accused of allowing an event involving masquerades at his palace on November 9, 2023, allegedly organized by Ambazonian separatists. Despite being summoned by local authorities at the time and pledging to halt such activities, he is said to have continued his controversial actions.
Among the most serious charges is Mr. Dzekem’s alleged collaboration with Ambazonian separatists. One reported instance occurred on June 8, 2024, when he allegedly led a convoy, escorted by armed separatists, through Kumbo town square to Ndzeen Palace.
The most recent incident took place on September 9, 2024, when Mr. Dzekem’s palace, along with members of the traditional Nwerong and Ngiri societies, visited Vekovi. During this visit, they reportedly received a warm reception from separatists armed with sophisticated weaponry. State authorities view this event as part of “a separatist strategy to install puppet leaders loyal to their cause, further weakening the Nso Fondom’s influence and undermining government efforts to maintain peace and unity in the Division.”
Not the First Time
This is not the first time local traditional rulers have been accused of colluding with separatists. In June 2023, SDO Menyong also accused the Fon of Mbiame of aiding separatist terrorists, which he said was “jeopardising the smooth return to normalcy in Mbiame and in Bui Division in general,” according to a letter from Menyong.
Another traditional ruler, the Fon of Mbiame was subsequently summoned to explain himself within 48 hours. Similarly, Kinkoh Eric Dzekem has been given 48 hours to clarify his actions before competent administrative authorities. However, it has been more than 48 hours, and the SDO’s office has yet to communicate any final decision, which could potentially serve as a warning to other traditional authorities involved in anti-state activities with separatists.
Catch-22 for Traditional Rulers
Traditional rulers such as Mr. Dzekem are caught in a dilemma. On one side, they are unable to stop armed separatists from participating in community activities, as these groups frequently hold considerable power and present direct challenges to their authority. Conversely, when these separatists show up at traditional events, authorities swiftly accuse these leaders of collusion or implicit support. This double bind prompts an examination of whether the state is seeking to delegate its responsibilities in addressing the separatist crisis by shifting the onus of managing these intricate situations onto local leaders and civilians, many of whom do not possess the authority to effectively confront the separatists.
