Human Right Activist, Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla has received an award from the Canadian Ambassador to Cameroon for his commitment towards the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Cameroon.

Canadian Ambassador to Cameroon (in black suit) handing over award to Barrister Agbor Balla

His Excellency Richard Bale handed the award to Barrister Agbor Balla on Thursday, December 10, 2020 during an event marking the celebration of the International Human Right Day.

According to Agbor Balla, the fight for human right has been a long struggle for years. “It has been a long struggle; it’s been 20 years… since I have been advocating, promoting and protecting human rights in all forms… The journey has not been an easy one… ups and downs, it’s been tupsy turvy but we’ve been resilient and we are here because of the wonderful work we have been doing”.

Agbor Balla disclosed that the celebration of the International Human Rights Day marks 4 years since he lost his dad. He further disclosed that he has launched a Human Right Handbook and has equipped the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy for Africa, CHRDA, with a Human Resource Centre in order to facilitate the promotion and advocacy for human right in the nation.

During the peak of the Cameroon Anglophone Service, Agbor Balla was arrested in 2017 and charged for “fostering hostility against the government”, “secession”, “civil war”, “propagation of false information”, “collective resistance and incitement to take up arm”. He was however released months after.

The barrister has remained firm in protecting and promoting human rights in the nation as well as condemning government and “separatists” excesses.

By Neville Mesumbe