Targeting Zero Female Mayors: REFELA Leader Prepares Crusade In Cameroon’s Far North

In the heart of Cameroon’s political capital, Yaoundé, Mrs. Noah nee Meyanga Marie Angele, projects the calm assurance of a leader who has navigated both the high-pressure arenas of local governance and the complex corridors of Pan-African diplomacy. As the sitting Mayor of Afanloum Council - located in the Mefou and Afamba Division of Cameroon’s Centre Region - her June 12, 2026 election as President of the Network of Locally Elected Women of Africa, REFELA, marks a historic moment for Cameroonian female representation on the continent.

What It Took To Win In Dakar

In an exhaustive, candid interview with Cameroon Tribune Online, Mrs. Noah outlined her trajectory. Revealing the political maneuvering required to win the continental ballot, the systemic resistance she overcame at the grassroots level. And her upcoming campaign to lobby for more female political representation across Cameroon’s 10 administrative regions.

Targeting Northern Cameroon

The first priority of Mrs. Noah’s three-year REFELA presidency begins within her home country. Currently drafting an action plan, her objective is to revitalize female civic participation ahead of Cameroon’s upcoming municipal and parliamentary elections. Her national strategy focuses on the Far North Region, Cameroon’s most populous administrative division. Despite its high population density and active political base, the Far North does not feature a single female mayor among its municipal councils.

Worthy, Capable, Courageous Women

"I cannot understand why the Far North is the largest region, yet we don't have a single female mayor there. With the upcoming elections, I want to break that barrier. I need to go and meet the Lamidos and the local elite, to tell them: “I will like women to step forward who are worthy, capable, and courageous. Because it takes courage and determination to stand up to male political domination,” says Mrs. Noah Marie Angèle.

Three-Point Tour Agenda

To accomplish this mission, Mrs. Noah is conducting advocacy campaigns to secure travel and organizational resources. Her national outreach relies on three pillars: Meeting traditional leaders (Lamidos) and regional political influencers to reduce cultural and systemic barriers facing female political aspirants. Explaining the structural advantages of REFELA to local female councilors across all of Cameroon’s 10 administrative regions. To ensure they understand the resources and backing available to them. And finally, assisting qualified, courageous women to mount viable campaigns against entrenched incumbents.

The Dakar Strategy

Mrs. Noah’s path to the REFELA presidency was defined by tactical resilience. Her triumph on June 12, 2026, in Dakar, Senegal, came four years after a loss at the Africities summit in Kisumu, Kenya. Where she was defeated by the candidate from The Gambia during her first presidential bid.

Sub-Regional Voting Dynamics

Representing the Central Africa sub-region, Mrs. Noah faced a formidable obstacle: West Africa's voting bloc, renowned for its tight organization and numerical superiority. The continental election process relies on a college of 45 primary electors who vote for both the executive delegates and the regional vice-presidents. Recognizing that a direct head-to-head matchup against a unified West African candidate would likely result in her defeat, Mrs. Noah constructed a strategic counter-effort:

Her Strategy

Utilizing limited but direct lines of communication, her team engaged key electors within West Africa. She encouraged multiple candidates to step forward within the West African camp, preventing a single unified candidate from dominating the ballot. Mrs. Noah also secured support across the four remaining sub-regions: Central Africa (her base), Southern Africa, East Africa, and North Africa.

The internal split within the West African delegation reduced their viable candidate pool from five down to four. Unable to present a unified candidate, the remaining West African delegate bloc swung behind Mrs. Noah, granting her a decisive majority win.

Grassroots Trial

Mrs. Noah’s ability to remain steadfast under pressure was forged in local politics. Recalling moments in Dakar when advisers urged her to step down due to mounting opposition, she refused. Drawing strength from her initial, highly volatile election as Mayor of Afanloum.

Now serving her second term, Mrs. Noah revealed that her initial mayoral run was an uphill battle against two male opponents. The political climate during the last municipal contest escalated to the point where voting had to be conducted under armed Gendarmerie protection.