Cameroonian Scholar, Dr. Agbor Nelson, Awarded PhD for Groundbreaking Research on Human Rights and Power Dynamics
Dr. Nelson A. Agbor has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Plymouth following a successful thesis defense that sheds new light on the systemic failures of human rights protections in Cameroon.
His research, titled “In what ways do political factors and relations of power interfere with the legal protection of human rights in Cameroon?”, comes at a critical time as the nation continues to grapple with the “Anglophone Crisis”—a socio-political conflict that has displaced thousands and led to widespread reports of abuse.
The ‘Neopatrimonial’ Barrier to Justice
Dr. Agbor’s work moves beyond simply documenting abuses. Instead, he uses the theoretical lens of neopatrimonialism to explain why the legal system fails to intervene. In his analysis, he reveals that while Cameroon possesses modern legal institutions, they are often undermined by informal power structures and patronage networks that prioritize political survival over the rule of law.
“My research investigates the intersection of political instability and human rights violations,” says Dr. Agbor. “I have revealed how neo-patrimonial governance, semi-authoritarianism, and excessive state violence exacerbate human suffering during civil unrest.”
Connecting Theory to the Anglophone Crisis
The thesis traces the roots of the current conflict to November 2016, when peaceful protests by lawyers and teachers over the marginalization of English-speaking populations were met with a “harsh approach” from government forces.
Dr. Agbor argues that the government’s authoritarian response prevented necessary legal and political reforms, causing the crisis to metamorphose into a full-scale armed conflict. By combining immersive fieldwork and semi-structured interviews, his research captures the voices of civilians caught in the crossfire, aiming to influence global policy in their favor.
An Inspiration for the Cameroon Diaspora
Currently a Visiting Lecturer at Birmingham City University and a Certified Human Rights Consultant, Dr. Agbor hopes his academic journey serves as a roadmap for other Cameroonian students abroad.
“This research identifies actionable pathways for conflict resolution and justice,” Agbor noted. His achievement stands as a call to action for the Cameroonian diaspora in the UK and beyond to engage in academic exploits that address the pressing challenges of their home country.
Dr. Agbor Nelson Agbor, has substantial teaching experience in doctrinal and public law, and maintain an active research profile in international human rights law. His teaching spans both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with responsibility for Land Law, Equity and Trusts, Criminal Justice, Business Law, Contract Law, Human Rights Law, Public Law, and Constitutional Law. At Birmingham City University, He currently teaches Level 4 and 5 students, delivering lectures and seminars that foster doctrinal clarity, critical legal reasoning, and practical problem-solving skills.
