05/08/2025
𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮: 𝗔 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁, 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗯𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Santa, strategically located at the gateway to the Northwest Region of Cameroon just after Babajou from the West Region, is a subdivision comprising 13 villages. These villages, including Santa, Mbei, Akum,Baligham, Njong, Pinyin, Awing, and others, thrive primarily on agriculture and farming. Despite its economic potential, Santa has remained underdeveloped for decades.
This stagnation is largely attributed to divisive politics. Instead of fostering unity and growth, political actors have turned Santa into a playground for their interests. They have sown seeds of discord, ensuring that the villages under Santa Subdivision remain fragmented. Debates fueled by these divisions such as whether Santa is a village or merely a subdivision are distractions from the real issues. For context, Yaoundé, Babajou, Mbengwi, Bali, and Batibo are all subdivisions, yet their status has not hindered their development or unity.
Moreover, some administrators, rather than serving as neutral leaders for peace and progress, have compromised their roles, acting as instruments of partisan agendas. This has manifested in actions such as the creation of artificial boundaries and illegitimate chieftaincies. It is essential to remember that, according to the customs and traditions of the Northwest Region, chieftaincy is hereditary and should not be manipulated for political gain.
The recent subdivision of smaller communities, such as turning multiple quarters in Mbei into separate villages, may appear beneficial in the short term. However, this strategy ultimately deepens divisions and weakens Santa’s collective strength.
To the children of Santa: open your eyes. The forces that fear your unity are working tirelessly to keep you divided. A united Santa is a strong Santa, and only through solidarity can the subdivision reclaim its rightful path to peace and development.
Together we Stand, Divided we fall.
