The appeal was made during a high-level audience in response to recent fatal community conflicts that have threatened stability in some communities in the country.
The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, has called on the traditional leaders of the Bamoun and Tikar communities to embrace peace and promote reconciliation. The appeal came during a high-level meeting in response to recent fatal community conflicts that have threatened stability in the regions. The dialogue brought together His Majesty Nabim Bobon Joya, Sultan and King of the Bamouns and His Majesty Ibrahim Gad II, Paramount Ruler of Bankim and King of the Tikars. Also present were two notables, Abdul Yap and Kamim Mote Abidias, alongside Governors Awa Fonka Augustine of the West Region and Kildadi Taguieke Boukar of the Adamawa Region.
The meeting aimed to de-escalate tensions and establish a framework for long-term coexistence. Minister Atanga Nji emphasized that the peace and reconciliation efforts were direct instructions from President Paul Biya, underlining the government’s commitment to social stability. He urged the traditional rulers to actively engage in initiatives that promote harmony, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes. He also highlighted the role of local leadership in ensuring lasting peace, calling on both parties to work closely with administrative authorities.
During the discussions, participants acknowledged the historical and cultural ties between the two communities and the need to prevent further violence. Although no official statements were made after the meeting, the postures of the traditional rulers, including visible handshakes in front of cameras, suggested a positive outcome. The meeting concluded with optimism, as both communities are expected to implement measures that will strengthen peace, stability, and social cohesion in the coming months.
Reexamining Bamoun, Tikars clashes
It should be noted that the tensions between the Bamoun and Tikar communities have deep historical and political roots, often centered around issues of authority, cultural identity, and territorial governance within the Noun Division. The February 2023 incident, in which Tikar King His Majesty Soule Ngamon III was reportedly undressed and molested by Sultan Nabil Mbombo Njoya’s guards, was a flashpoint in a long-standing dispute.
The Tikars have historically resisted recognizing the authority of the Bamoun Sultanate, despite being administratively under the Noun Division. This resistance is largely tied to their desire for autonomy and the preservation of their distinct cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the Bamoun leadership, under Sultan Nabil Mbombo Njoya, maintains a historical claim to authority over the region, rooted in the political structures established during the pre-colonial period
