By Colbert Nkwain
Why David Abouem à Tchoyi’s Legacy Demands Urgent Dialogue to Resolve Cameroon’s Deadly Anglophone Crisis
In the 1970s, the picturesque village of Muteff in Fundong Subdivision, formerly part of Menchum Division in the North West Province, sought greater autonomy from mainland Abuh. Not everyone in Abuh opposed the move. Among Muteff’s key supporters was my late uncle, Yindo Akem (née Tuah Tohnain), who demonstrated his commitment through both words and actions.
In a bold protest, he withdrew his children from CBC School Abuh and enrolled them in the Catholic school in Muteff. His deep understanding of the marginalization faced by the people of Muteff at the hands of Abuh’s leadership stemmed from his frequent visits to Muteff, where he would visit my mother who was his sister. As a key notable from Abuh village and a descendant of the founding compounds in Abuh, who lodged the revered mascarade juju (Meguo m’Akem), everyone expected Yindo Akem to align with mainstream Abuh leadership. However, as a staunch advocate of justice, he chose to stand in solidarity with the suppressed people of Muteff.
This decision was a remarkable example of standing up for justice, even when it meant going against expectations. Like Yindo Akem in the Muteff case, David Abouem à Tchoyi’s unique perspective on the Anglophone crisis in Cameroon stems from his extensive experience as a former Governor of the North West and South West Provinces, as well as his role as a commission member (including Paul Biya who was then Prime Minister and Dorothy Njuema, then Vice Minister of Education), tasked with investigating Anglophone grievances in the 1970s.
This background granted him a deep understanding of the historical marginalization of English-speaking Cameroonians, which Colbert Gwain, a multiple award-winning journalist, content creator, and storyteller renowned for his innovative “Muteffization” news reporting style, a pioneering approach rooted in his relentless fight for the decolonization of journalism in Africa, has termed “angloxploitation”
Abouem à Tchoyi’s proposed solution to the Anglophone crisis emphasizes the need to address the root causes of the problem, including the hyper-centralization of power, the non-respect of engagements regarding the equitable respect of cultures, and the non-respect of solemn promises made during the referendum campaign.
He identifies six key elements that contribute to the Anglophone problem, including criticism of the centralized state, the transfer of decision centers to Yaoundé, and the non-respect of bilingualism in the public sector.
As a former Minister of Higher Education and Secretary General at the Presidency, Abouem à Tchoyi’s insights were invaluable in understanding the complexities of the Anglophone crisis. His commitment to finding a solution that promotes justice, equality, and national unity was evident in his writings and public statements.
David Abouem à Tchoyi passed away on January 15, 2025, at a critical juncture when the Special Status for the North West and South West Regions, proposed during the 2019 Major National Dialogue (MND), was showing signs of strain and emerging as a new source of conflict, especially with the developments at the North West Regional Assembly.
This is particularly concerning given that Cameroon’s decentralization process appears to have been poorly conceived, badly designed, and incorrectly implemented. The Special Status was intended to address the grievances of the Anglophone regions, but its flawed rollout has exacerbated tensions.
Abouem à Tchoyi’s passing is a significant loss, as he was a strong advocate for bilingualism and multiculturalism, and had fought tirelessly for the resolution of the Anglophone crisis before it escalated into an armed conflict. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of meaningful dialogue and inclusive decision-making in addressing the complex issues plaguing Cameroon.
As the country mourns his loss, it is essential to reflect on his contributions and recommit to finding a lasting solution to the Anglophone crisis. To bring an end to the Anglophone conflict in Cameroon, a genuine and inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders is necessary.
This dialogue should address the root causes of the conflict, including the unilateral abolition of the 1961 federal system of government and the 1984 change of the country’s name from the United Republic of Cameroon to the Republic of Cameroon, as well as the fusion of the two stars in the flag into one star.
The international community, including Western countries and African regional organizations, must exert pressure on the government of Cameroon to respect human rights, engage in inclusive dialogue, and seek a peaceful solution to the conflict. A swift solution would greatly benefit Western countries, as it would stem the flow of Anglophones who are refugees fleeing worsening conditions at home.
They should also increase funding for civil society organizations documenting human rights abuses and promoting peace. They need support and protection especially now that the government of Cameroon has begun the promotion of the rise of anti-rights movements.
African solutions are also crucial in resolving the conflict. Countries like Nigeria and Ghana, which host a significant number of refugees fleeing the conflict, can take the lead. Ultimately, a multi-faceted approach involving Western support, African solutions, and international pressure is necessary to bring the Anglophone conflict in Cameroon to a definite end.
