Discursive Representation of Minority in Political Speeches: The Case of the Mbororo People in Cameroon

The present study examines the discursive representation of the Mbororo people, a minority group in Cameroon, in political speeches. Drawing on Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and postcolonial theory, it explores the linguistic and rhetorical strategies used by political leaders to frame the Mbororo community. The study investigates how these representations reflect power dynamics, cultural stereotypes, and systemic marginalisation, while also interrogating the implications for minority rights and social inclusion in Cameroon. The analysis focuses on selected political speeches that address issues of minority, identity, cultural integration, and socio-political rights. Through a qualitative approach, the article identifies key discursive strategies, such as framing, stereotyping, exclusion, and the use of rhetorical tools like metaphors and euphemisms. The Paper reveals that political discourse often portrays the Mbororo people in ways that reinforce cultural otherness and hierarchical relationships, positioning them as passive subjects within Cameroon's broader nation-building agenda. The findings suggest that these representations are not neutral but serve to maintain existing power structures, highlighting a tension between rhetorical commitments to inclusivity and the realities of socio-political exclusion. Furthermore, the study emphasizes how these discourses shape public perceptions of the Mbororo people, influencing their access to political participation and their recognition as equal citizens. By shedding light on the intersection of language, power, and identity, the study contributes to the growing body of scholarship on minority representation in political discourse. It advocates for more inclusive and equitable communication practices to foster meaningful representation of marginalised groups in political decision-making processes. The article concludes by calling for further research on the discursive treatment of minority groups across Africa and its implications for governance and social cohesion.