Traditional Rulers Must Resist Political Pressure and Remain Neutral – Agbor Balla

Human rights lawyer Agbor Nkongho, popularly known as Agbor Balla, has urged traditional rulers in Cameroon to resist political pressure and remain neutral.

The Barrister made the call after traditional rulers from the different regions of the country have been declaring support for President Paul Biya’s candidacy ahead of this year’s presidential elections.

The most recent of such is the call from Southwest Chiefs, during their elective general assembly in Limbe last Saturday, urging Paul Biya to be their candidate.

It came after the association of traditional rulers in Cameroon and traditional rulers from the country’s northern regions declared unflinching support for Biya’s candidacy.

The declarations were met with backlash from the population, with many chastising traditional leaders for breaking their neutrality.

According to Agbor Balla, traditional rulers should desist from partisan politics.

He said taking sides on political issues can cause them to lose legitimacy and trust. He added that it also threatens social cohesion, and weakens democratic institutions.

The rights advocate insisted that traditional rulers in Cameroon have historically played a vital role in governance, cultural preservation, and conflict resolution.

However, Agbor Balla is worried about traditional rulers’ dwindling popularity owing to partisan politics.

In his write-up, “Preserving Tradition and Protecting Democracy—Why Cameroon’s Chiefs Must Stay Neutral in 2025,” Balla said they must remain politically neutral to preserve their moral authority and act as unifying figures in their communities.

“This need for neutrality is even more critical as Cameroon approaches the 2025 presidential elections,” he stated.

Traditional Rulers as Custodians of Culture

Before and during the colonial administration in Cameroon, traditional rulers, especially those in the North West and South West, played a significant role in governance.

Their subjects viewed them as custodians of their cultures and traditions.

In recent years, owing to their involvement in politics, their popularity has shrunk.

Dwelling on what their role should be, Agbor Balla said traditional rulers serve as custodians of culture, mediators in community disputes, and bridges between the people and the state.

“They play a key role in maintaining social order, providing counsel on local governance, and upholding customs that define the identity of their communities. Their leadership, which predates modern political institutions, has been instrumental in maintaining stability, particularly in rural areas where they command significant respect,” said Agbor Balla.

Neutrality Ahead of the Elections

According to Agbor Balla, 2025 is going to be a decisive and crucial year in the history of Cameroon.

The presidential elections will take place in October, and Paul Biya, 92, will likely contest again.

Balla said the election period will shape the country’s political future, and given the historical tensions and challenges surrounding it, he advised that traditional leaders should promote peace, unity, and fairness, rather than taking political sides.

To him, by endorsing any politician as candidate, the leaders are creating division within communities—where not all citizens may share the same political preferences.

“It reinforces the perception that these leaders are being used as political tools rather than representing their people impartially. These endorsements also risk undermining public confidence in traditional institutions, as many citizens may see them as partisan rather than neutral guardians of cultural heritage,” he said.

Role of Traditional Rulers in Elections

He stated numerous things that the leaders can do aside from endorsing and calling on Biya to be their candidate.

Agbor Balla said they should instead encourage voter participation, promote peaceful elections, advocate for fair play, and resist political co-optation.

“For traditional leaders to continue serving their people effectively, they must remain neutral in political affairs,” he said. 

Political neutrality, he says, means that they remain respected mediators in community disputes, able to reconcile differences impartially.

“Their leadership is inclusive, representing all community members regardless of political affiliation; they focus on development, collaborating with elected officials from various political backgrounds to address local challenges; and they safeguard tradition, ensuring that their primary role remains the protection of cultural values rather than political ambition,” he stated.