Oath-Taking with a Firearm in Cameroon’s Northwest: Trauma and Painful Reminder Amid Anglophone Conflict
On January 7, 2026, the North West Regional Executive Council of Cameroon entered its second mandate with a solemn oath-taking ceremony at the Court of Appeal. Among the dignitaries was the traditional ruler of Babungo, who also serves as the Second Secretary of the Regional Assembly. While oath-taking is a routine legal requirement under Section 358 of the General Code Instituting Regional and Local Authorities, this particular event drew unusual attention.
The ruler was seen holding a firearm during the ceremony, a striking image that sparked debate about the symbolism of the act. Was the gun a traditional emblem of authority, a personal object rooted in custom, or a deliberate reflection of the region’s security realities? Neither the court nor the traditional institution has clarified its meaning, leaving room for interpretation and discussion.
On a personal Note, the traditional authority could take the oath with a peace plant rather than a gun, which has been used by both the state and non-state actors to kill over 6000 persons in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon or Southern Cameroons. It is traumatizing seeing a gun that brings back memories of pain among citizens who are struggling to forget what the gun has caused in human life. This was like an act of bravery in a wrong context, wherein citizens are craving for peace, wherein citizens are craving for reconciliation.
According to a commentary by Victory Marshal Ayafor, published on the North West Regional Assembly’s Facebook page under the title “Understanding the Oath Taken by the Gun: A Respect for Personal Choice, Beliefs and Traditions”, the act of swearing by the gun is not without precedent. In certain legal traditions, particularly within Anglo-Saxon justice systems, individuals may swear by symbols that align with their personal beliefs, whether the Bible, the Quran, or, in rare cases, the gun.
Why the Gun? In a favorable Context? Not in the Northwest Region, where over 6000 people have been killed by guns.
- Respect for Non-Religious Beliefs: For individuals who do not identify with Christianity or Islam, the gun can serve as a symbol of integrity and truth. It is not a rejection of faith but an affirmation of personal conviction.
- Symbol of Accountability: The firearm, in this context, represents responsibility and seriousness. Swearing by it signals readiness to face consequences should one fail to uphold the truth.
- Legal and Cultural Flexibility: Just as religious texts carry weight in oath-taking, the gun may hold meaning for those whose traditions or values are rooted in different cultural frameworks. in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, their traditional practices are rooted in gun firing and several purposes including war, celebration, victory, information sharing or announcement etc.
Ultimately, swearing by the gun is about personal choice. It reflects the diversity of belief systems and underscores the importance of respecting cultural identities within formal legal processes.
Beyond symbolism, the oath-taking ceremony itself carries immense weight. Section 358 of the General Code mandates that members of the Regional Executive Council swear an oath before assuming office. Delivered in English, the oath requires leaders to:
- Serve the region impartially, without discrimination or favoritism.
- Uphold democratic principles, unity, and integrity.
- Commit to transparency and accountability in governance.
This solemn pledge is not merely ceremonial. It establishes the legal and moral foundation upon which the Council’s work will be judged. By swearing allegiance to these ideals, leaders earn the trust of the people they represent.
The Composition of the Regional Executive Council
The Council, as the executive organ of the region, comprises:
- President
- Vice-President (also President of the House of Chiefs)
- Commissioner for Economic Development
- Commissioner for Health and Social Development
- Commissioner for Educational, Sports and Cultural Development
- Two Secretaries (representing the House of Divisional Representatives and the House of Chiefs)
- Questor
Together, these figures form the backbone of regional governance, tasked with driving development, safeguarding social welfare, and promoting cultural identity.
The second mandate of the North West Regional Executive Council comes at a time of both opportunity and challenge. The oath-taking ceremony, marked by the unusual presence of a firearm, underscores the complexity of governance in the region. It reflects a reality where tradition, personal belief, and security concerns converge.
For citizens, the moment serves as a reminder that leadership is not only about titles and offices but also about the symbols and values leaders bring into public life. Whether the gun was a personal emblem, a cultural artifact, or a statement on accountability, it has sparked dialogue about the meaning of authority in Cameroon’s evolving democracy.
The oath-taking ceremony of January 7, 2026, will be remembered not only for its legal significance but also for its symbolic resonance. By swearing with a firearm which either promote different believes or show resistance or traumatizes the victims of the ongoing armed conflict in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
