Biya, create Peace, Justice & Reconciliation Committee.

The grieving fallouts of the presidential election-induced tensions, observers say, have painfully added to the cringes of marginalisation that long led to a deadly conflict in the English-speaking Regions. 

The nation albeit a lull in tension in the two Anglophone Regions, many say, had long been begging for political actions to reconcile every citizen. 

At this point, observers say the issue at hand is not just about people holding different opinions but the fissures that have deaden the pride and nation’s focus on moving ahead. 

Even as some regime loyalists continue to give the impression that all is well, analysts say Biya needs to go beyond listening to those deifying him and take actions to keep Cameroon strong and sustain his legacy.

Biya has in his 43 years of leading Cameroon been credited with succeeding to hold the nation in one piece. But the outpour of anger surrounding the October 12 presidential election and antics from across the board, many say, have weaken national concord, necessitating his long-heralded wisdom to come to play and turn things around.

He took to the rostrum on November 6, 2025, after being sworn in, and addressed the nation and not just those who voted him to continue leading. 

It is he who assured that he was aware of the demands of the time, restating the need to “lay the foundations for an even more promising future for our beloved country, especially our youth”.

Having also underscored the need for a united front to address the challenges of the time, observers say, beyond such sweet declarations, the nation’s conscience needs a message befitting of reconciliation, justice and peace. The onus, the say, is on President Biya, who once described himself as a “beggar of peace”.

Many say it is only on a foundation laced with such virtues that Cameroon can indeed rediscover its indomitable spirit to permit its people and residents make the most of their ventures to move ahead. 

They concur that the country has been more than stretched, which calls for the urgent need for the putting in place of a Peace, Justice and Reconciliation Committee. The body, analysts say, will work to bond people and open the pores of forgiveness, joy, unity, national development and prosperity for all.

Those making such a proposal say, it is urgent that President Biya acts without delay to put in place such a committee to erase and address yawning wounds and the internal pain of division tearing the nation. 

Some say Biya needs to do so to make meaning of his inaugural speech in which he promised openness and collaboration so that the country can retrace its path of peace and living together.

Call to sacred mission not showmanship

With the presidential election now behind the nation, the reality of the hiccups and missteps are visible without any political colouration. This, it is being said, sends a gentle reminder to everyone that beyond politics, the nation’s peace must be preserved. 

Thus, constituting and putting in place a Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Committee, those who subscribe to the idea say, is a sacred mission and not publicity stunt for haughty characters. 

They say it is a mission that should be born from the womb of the nation with the Head of State paying the highest level of attention to it.

Like Biya is quoted as having said that ‘no one should play with Cameroon’, a Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Committee, many are saying, is one of the first things that will send across the message that Cameroon is bigger than everyone.

Biya, it is also being said, should conceive such an idea and get a cream of Cameroonians, whose reputation and credibility can buy the attention of citizens at home and abroad for national reunion and camaraderie.

Observers say it is an assignment that demands tact and finesse to negotiate Cameroon out of the aches of what appears to be one of its most trying post-election periods in history.

The Guardian Post’s proposal of committee faces 

In the face of calls for Biya to create a Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Committee, The Guardian Post herein makes a proposal of men and women of high standing with proven acumen whom the media organ believes can help the Head of State to give a good dawn to his new mandate.

At The Guardian Post, we believe and strongly so, that the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute, has the experience, weight, experience and sobriety to chair such a group of wisdom-laden, peace-focused and justice-savvy compatriots.

Dion Ngute is a longtime collaborator of the Head of State, with extensive clout and style in building rapprochement nationwide that is incontestable. 

Having been nurtured by President Biya for years and put to test such qualities and virtues in eliminating dissent and nurturing oneness and unity, the Prime Minister, it is being said, is a priceless human resource for a nation seeking to regain its gaiety.

Another personality whose experience and skills in uniting and leading people make him fit to measure up in such a committee is His Lordship George Nkuo, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kumbo, in the North West Region. The respected man of God is known for his frankness and commitment to peace and harmony. 

There is also the Rt Rev Miki Hans Abia, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, PCC. As a religious leader of repute, graced with heralding hope, peace and togetherness in the face of adversity, the circumstances of the season are begging for his services in reawakening the feeling of belonging nationwide.

Maximilienne Chantal Ngo Mbe, the Executive Director of the Central Africa Human Rights Defenders Network, REDHAC, is a household name when it comes to upholding human rights. 

Ngo Mbe is a vital human resource to weave new threats of togetherness and erode anger across the national territory in this challenging post-election times.

International legal luminary widely known for his decades of peace crusading, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, has also been sized as a prime character worthy of being sent on such a daunting mission.

He is among those who have been pushing for a peace, justice and reconciliation to refire Cameroon and make its over 30 million citizens at home and abroad free up all traces of anger and embrace the leadership’s call to form a common development front.

Serene and revered retired Governor, Abakar Ahamat, whose wealth of experience in administration and life lessons are known across the board, also makes for a person Biya can call to service at this critical time.

Reputed media personality, Ngah Christian Mbipgo, who heads the   Federation of Newspaper Publishers, FEDIPRESSE, of Cameroon and the   English Newspaper Publishers’ Association, CENPA, we have assessed, also has ingenious contributions to make, if such a Commission is put in place.

Ngah has across decades and just recently in the face of the crisis in the North West and South West Regions, shown his commitment to national unity, peace and living together.

Ngah is also among national figures who resolutely worked to bond Cameroonians when Boko Haram terrorist started attacking the nation in the Far North Region.

With other exceptional contributions to keeping the veins of unity, living together, tolerance and peace alive, the media personality is a man who can be summoned for the high calling of reconnecting citizens.

Another person in the shortlist of The Guardian Post to join a possible Peace, Justice and Reconciliation Committee is renowned Historian and varsity don, Prof Willibroad Dze-Ngwa. 

The development and peace consultant, with strengths in other areas, also has an impeccable record when it comes to keeping communities and people tolerant but united in purpose.

In the cast of the fine men and women who constitute those The Guardian Post deems can erode the acidity aplenty across the nation and sow seeds of reason and peace, is also Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor, mostly known as Agbor Balla. 

The prominent human rights lawyer, who is always outspoken on national issues, would be a huge plus in such an assignment.

Within the brackets of men with the wherewithal to rollback the dark clouds over the nation since the October 12 poll, The Guardian Post also picked Rev Dr Dieudonne Massi Gams. 

Massi Gams, being the Chairperson of the anti-graft agency, National Anti-Corruption Commission, CONAC, coupled with his calling as a man of God, would further enrich such a committee.

Varsity don and good governance icon, Prof Viviane Ondoua Biwole, is yet another name on the same list of proposals. She cuts the image of a woman whose voice echoes clarity, reason and peace; through which Biya can amplify his quest to forgo the errors and misconceptions of yesterday and focus on building our common patrimony, Cameroon.

Across the length and breadth of the nation, the National Coordinator of the Council of Imams and Muslim Dignitaries of Cameroon, CIDIMUC, Dr Moussa Oumarou, comes top among peace lovers and crusaders. 

Given the perceivable general strive and pockets of anti-establishment sentiments, Dr Oumarou can also make for a good peace envoy.

Another respected person who has a community-first character and always quick to raise an alarm when he thinks the nation is in the face of a danger, whose services are needed at a time such as this, is His Grace Samuel Kleda. 

Kleda, who is Archbishop of the Douala Catholic Archdiocese, is also pictured of fitting within the frames of a personality whom millions of Cameroonians can listen to.

Given the importance of Chieftaincy institutions in nation building, His Majesty Tsala Ndzomo Guy, President of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Cameroon, also meets our benchmarks of persons who can be drafted into the proposed committee.

This also goes for Sylvie Jacqueline Ndongmo, International President of the Women International League for Peace and Freedom, WILPF. 

Her persistence in pushing for peace at home and abroad, also makes her a salient voice that could be of use if President Biya beckons.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3622 of Wednesday November 12, 2025