“today’s dynamic legal environment, a truly exceptional lawyer must go beyond technical expertise”- Cleatine Kangue
One Thursday over three decades ago, a child was born on the leeward side of Mount Cameroon’s lush slopes in the Southwest region, precisely in the vibrant town of Muyuka, which hums with a spirit that is both unyielding and warm. The date was April 12, 1990, and the child who signalled his entrance into a world both strange and beautiful was named Chungong Cleatine Asongwe Dhin Kangue. He has since navigated every difficulty and obstacle, emerging as one of the most compelling voices of his time in diplomacy, civic engagement, and political advisory work in Cameroon. Cleatine’s life story is a compelling account of perseverance against odds, a relentless pursuit of justice, and the embodiment of servant leadership. Currently serving as the Acting Senior Political Adviser and Head of the Political Section at the British High Commission in Yaounde, Cleatine’s journey through hardship and service has become a beacon of inspiration to many African youths.
Cleatine’s Early Days
Just like his birthplace, which is a melting pot of ethnic groups, Cleatine’s lineage is woven from two culturally rich and diverse regions of the country. While Cleatine’s father hails from Bonambappe-Bonaberi in the port city of Douala, his mother is from Mundum II, a village in the Bafut Sub-division, approximately 25km from the Northwest regional capital, Bamenda. Though Cleatine was born in Muyuka, he spent his early childhood with his maternal grandparents in the rustic and resilient community of Mundum II. These years played a pivotal role in shaping his moral compass, cultural identity, and worldview. At just 15, Cleatine endured his first big tragedy – being an only child, he lost his beloved mother on June 16, 2005, after spending only one academic year with her. This loss ushered in a transformative period of being raised by his maternal grandparents, whose traditional values and communal care provided the foundation for his empathy, discipline, and sense of justice. Following the passing of his grandfather in September 2006, just a few days after gaining admission into Longla Comprehensive College Mankon, the young Cleatine was then left with just his grandmother, who, despite her advanced age, ensured her grandson had the basics life could offer. On February 19, 2009, tragedy struck again with Cleatine losing his grandmother to the agonizing hands of death. He was then adopted by his maternal aunt, Felicia Chungong, a strong and nurturing woman based in Germany. She raised him as her own first son, offering him both emotional and financial support through his academic journey. However, her untimely passing in 2015, shortly before Cleatine’s graduation from university, marked a painful yet defining moment that further fuelled his drive to excel and honour her sacrifices.
Early Challenges, Rising Spirit
From humble beginnings in primary school in Mundum II village to secondary education at Longla Comprehensive College in Mankon, and later to Government Technical High School in Molyko, Buea, Cleatine’s academic journey is a chronicle of determination. He attended Government Primary School Mundum II, from Class 1 to 7, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) and Common Entrance List A in 2003. Cleatine then had a secondary school stint in Muyuka before moving to Longla Comprehensive College, Mankon, where he earned his Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) in 2006, studying alongside his bench mate for two years, Fai Collins, a Cameroonian professional footballer. He later earned his Probatoire in 2011 and the Baccalaureate Technique with distinction in 2012 at Government Technical High School Molyko – Buea. During his time there, he served as School Prefect from Form 5 to Upper Sixth (Terminal) – a testament to his early leadership qualities and responsibility. Despite facing the demanding challenge of young fatherhood during university, a period that saw him welcome his first son, he chose responsibility over retreat. This new role became a driving force rather than a distraction. Cleatine often refers to his son as “the light in his darkness” and the reason he remained focused during times when giving up seemed easier. Today, he stands as a devoted husband to Miranda Ngemita Epouse Asongwe Dhin Kangue, a magistrate by profession. His role as a husband and father of two boys provides grounding and motivation for every endeavour he undertakes.
Excellence in academics and leadership
An embodiment of intellectual rigour and leadership, Cleatine gained admission into the prestigious University of Buea in 2013, where he bagged a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2016. His academic prowess and organizational acumen were evident during his time as President of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences Student Association at the University of Buea. In this role, he advocated for student welfare, inclusion, and academic integrity. In addition, Cleatine obtained a Master’s in Public Law from the University of Yaounde II Soa (2017–2018), further cementing his legal expertise. In 2018, Cleatine enrolled for a Master of Laws (LLM) degree at the University of Buea, a postgraduate programme he completed in 2020. His unquenchable thirst for knowledge would then lead him to take on another master’s course, still at the University of Buea, this time in international relations. He is currently undertaking it. Also, Cleatine’s commitment to lifelong learning and international exposure has led him to prestigious programs such as the U.S. Department of State Community Solutions Program (2021– 2022), where he was trained in transparency and accountability. This fellowship enabled him to broaden his understanding of global governance frameworks and civic engagement models. In 2024, he participated in a diplomatic training certificate program at the UK International Academy, enriching his toolkit for high-level diplomatic engagement. Cleatine has also proudly represented Cameroon in several high-profile governance, democracy, and human rights conferences across Africa, contributing insightfully to continental dialogues on youth, leadership, and institutional reform.
Service, Sacrifice, Self-discovery
Kangue’s professional development is a textbook example of humility, resilience, and vision. In 2017, a failed U.S. visa application proved to be a blessing in disguise, catalysing the creation of his own civic initiative, Youth for a Better Cameroon (YOBCA). Though the initiative did not expand into a large institution, it provided an avenue for community-based advocacy, youth empowerment, and national dialogue on pressing human rights concerns. The 2018 presidential election marked another turning point when he was appointed Campaign Director for the South West Region by the presidential candidate Akere Muna, a renowned lawyer and anti-corruption activist. This appointment introduced him to the dynamic complexities of political campaigning, public speaking, and policy advocacy on a national scale. Akere Muna’s mentorship continues to guide Kangue’s philosophy of service, civic responsibility, and integrity. In 2019, Cleatine joined the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa (CHRDA) as a Governance Officer. Despite limited financial remuneration, he gave himself wholly to the mission, volunteering long hours and contributing to research, training, and public awareness initiatives. His time at CHRDA not only sharpened his analytical and policy skills but also strengthened his belief in people-centered development and rights-based governance.
From Intern to Influencer
The culmination of Cleatine’s grassroots experience and academic distinction led him to a pivotal opportunity in 2020. After a demanding and highly competitive process, he was selected as a Political and Communications Intern at the British High Commission (BHC) in Yaounde. Within a short time, his intellect, diligence, and emotional intelligence earned him a full-time contract as Project and Prosperity Officer. By September 2021, he advanced to the role of Political and Projects Officer, engaging directly with diplomatic strategy, program design, and political analysis. Since October 2023, Cleatine has been serving as the Acting Senior Political Adviser and Head of the Political Section at BHC. In this role, he is responsible for leading strategic engagements in governance, human rights, conflict resolution, and institutional reform. He liaises with government officials, civil society actors, and international stakeholders – championing policies that uphold justice, transparency, and inclusion.
Convictions and Identity
Cleatine’s inner world is shaped by a profound sense of identity, justice, and humility. Though raised within the Catholic faith, he maintains a strong spiritual connection to his traditional roots, often describing himself as a cultural guardian and advocate for ancestral wisdom. This duality of spiritual grounding and modern intellect is what gives his leadership its authentic depth. Known for his courage in the face of adversity, Cleatine does not shy away from confronting injustice even when doing so places him at odds with powerful interests. His moral compass is unflinching, and his peers often cite his integrity and candour as defining qualities. Balancing introspection with assertiveness, he identifies as both an introvert and an extrovert, a thinker and doer, a listener and a leader. Cleatine’s love for the underprivileged has seen him providing for the needy in communities where he grew up. In 2024, he made a timely donation of didactic materials to less privileged kids in Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala. The life of Chungong Cleatine Asongwe Dhin Kangue is not just any ordinary story; it is a living testimony to the power of faith, hard work, and purpose-driven leadership. His journey from the valleys of Mundum II to the halls of international diplomacy is a clarion call to young Africans: that despite life’s obstacles, one can rise, influence, and transform society with courage, discipline, and heart. He continues to serve with distinction, inspire with humility, and lead with unwavering purpose — not because it is easy, but because it is necessary. His story is still being written, but the chapters so far remind us that greatness is not born; it is cultivated through sacrifice, nurtured by love, and validated by service.
1. The Driving Force for Choosing the Legal Profession.
Every great journey begins with a spark. For Cleatine, that spark was ignited during his early encounters with injustice in his community – moments when he saw people, especially women and youth, denied opportunities or silenced simply because they lacked the legal knowledge or representation to defend their rights. He realized that the law is not just a set of rules; it is a powerful tool for equity, voice, and transformation. What continues to make the practice of law deeply fulfilling, even though he is not a practicing lawyer, is the potential to create lasting impact in people’s lives. Whether it’s advocating for gender equality, youth political participation, shaping inclusive policies, or empowering marginalized voices, the legal profession allows him to be both a guardian of justice and a catalyst for change. He believes that each cause is a chance to stand up for what is right and to help build a society where fairness is not a privilege, but a guarantee.
2. Qualities of an Exceptional Lawyer and How Young Professionals Can Cultivate Such Attributes.
Cleatine regards this as a powerful and timely question. In his words, “today’s dynamic legal environment, a truly exceptional lawyer must go beyond technical expertise”. Although he is not a practicing lawyer, he thinks a good lawyer should be able to develop adaptability and lifelong learning. He thinks so because laws, technologies, and societal norms are evolving rapidly. Therefore, a great lawyer must stay current with legal reforms, digital tools, and global trends. Secondly, he believes that a good lawyer must possess integrity and ethical judgment skills. Trust remains a foundational pillar of legal practice. Clients, courts, colleagues, and institutions rely on a lawyer’s honesty and ethical standards. Worth mentioning that a lawyer aspiring to have a successful legal career should be able to have a good mastery of communication. Whether in courts or writing, clarity and persuasion are essential.
3. Significant Ongoing Project or Initiatives and Possible Impacts.
Over the past year, Cleatine has been deeply engaged in community-driven efforts in his village, Bonaberi, Douala IV, with a focus on fostering a cleaner, more sustainable environment and expanding access to quality education. One of his most fulfilling moments was donating school kits to over 100 internally displaced pupils, helping to ease the burden on families and ignite hope in young learners. As he looks ahead to the new academic year, his vision is even bolder: to multiply their impact, reaching more children, uplifting more families, and reinforcing the spirit of community solidarity through education. He believes that by investing in our youth, we are planting seeds of resilience, empowerment, and transformation for generations to come.
4. Role Models and Impactful Books.
Cleatine’s journey has been profoundly shaped by the wisdom and courage of legal visionaries who stood for justice and human dignity. Among them, Nelson Mandela stands tall -not only as a lawyer but as a symbol of resilience and reconciliation. His unwavering belief in the rule of law and equality continues to guide Cleatine’s path. He was lucky to have visited Nelson Mandela’s first residence in Soweto, South Africa, in 2024. He also draws inspiration from Barrister Akere Muna, whose unwavering commitment to anti-corruption has left a lasting imprint on his journey. His courage to challenge entrenched systems and advocate for transparency has not only inspired Cleatine but also shaped his understanding of justice, integrity, and civic responsibility. His work reminds Cleatine that true leadership is rooted in accountability and service to the people. One book that continues to shape his thinking is “The Constitution of Liberty” by Friedrich Hayek. It challenges him to think critically about the balance between freedom and responsibility, and the role of institutions in safeguarding individual rights. It’s a reminder that sustainable change is rooted in both principle and participation. Lately, he explored the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – a widely influential book that explores the dynamics of power, strategy, and manipulation through historical examples and philosophical insights. The first law ‘Never Outshine Your Boss’ resonates with my leadership journey.
5. Advice or Guiding Principles for Young Legal Professionals and Advocates Trying to Find their Place and Purpose in the Legal Terrain.
His advice is simple: young legal professionals must lead with purpose, embrace learning curves, build integrity, and show empathy.
Click here to read our previous Millennial, Nyasha Noreen Katsenga, LLD
Editorial Team
Silver Obioha
Clinton Nyamongo
Kazeem Afolabi
Dikeledi Matlhagare
Tolulope Olasunkanmi
Sulaimon Badmus
Aya Hamdy
Princess Maake
Jemilat Akerele
Vera Enubianozor
Brandon Otieno
Oluwabusayo Awodele
Kyenpiya Wonang
Gift Nwoke
Jessica Odoh
Tracy Karumba
Mary-Jones Ossi
Halimah Oladunni
Mary Linus
Peter Momoh
Jessica Omoruyi
