Mbengwi Population say NO to the Creation of a New Village and a Traditional Ruler

Hundreds of residents from Mbengwi Central marched through the streets of Mbengwi, Momo Division, on Friday, May 22, to protest a government decision they say carves parts of Mbengwi and Ku villages into a new settlement with a traditional ruler whose origins are disputed.

The demonstration was organized in response to the creation of a new village named “Mbengwiteghenibi” Protesters, joined by traditional rulers including the Fon of Mbengwi, carried peace plants, Cameroon flags, and portraits of President Paul Biya as they marched toward the office of the Senior Divisional Officer for Momo Division.

Placards bore messages including “No pseudo village between us,” “No! No! To divide and rule,” and “No to division, chieftaincy is by heredity.” Demonstrators accused local authorities of redrawing boundaries and taking land from Mbengwi and Ku without the communities’ consent, and of naming an influential individual as the traditional leader.

“We are not against development, but you cannot create a village and impose a chief on people whose history you don’t know,” one protester said during the march.

According to local sources, the delegation was denied access to the SDO’s office after officials said the demonstration had not been authorized and was deemed illegal. The Senior Divisional Officer for Momo Division, Fouda Etaba Benoit, did not receive the delegation, according to sources.

Residents also raised broader concerns about administrative decisions in the Northwest Region, alleging that some officials have created villages and appointed traditional rulers without regard for local customs and traditions, leading to tensions between communities.

Photo Credit: City FM Radio

Mbengwi Population say NO to the Creation of a New Village and a Traditional Ruler