Anglophone Conflict in Cameroon: The Fon of Nso Holds Historic Community Dialogue in Makenene, Calls for Unity and Collective Development in Nso
Makenene, Centre region of Cameroon, September 25, 2026: The Fon of Nso has held a historic community dialogue with Nso sons and daughters living in Makenene and neighbouring communities, using the occasion to promote unity, peace, cultural identity and collective development among the Nso people. The community dialogue formed part of the Fon’s ongoing engagements with Nso communities living outside the Nso homeland, aimed at strengthening relationships between the Nso Palace and Nso people in the diaspora amid the ongoing conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon.
This community Dialogue is part of the ongoing initiative His Royal Highness Fon Sehm Mbinglo I, the Fon of Nso and the Paramount Ruler of Bui Division, has been carrying out through His Newly published Book, The Fon of Nso and the Anglophone Crisis: A Testimony for Reconciliation and Peace.
Spanning 170 pages, The Fon of Nso and the Anglophone Crisis: A Testimony for Reconciliation and Peace offers a personal and historical account of the Anglophone Crisis through the eyes of one of the country’s most respected traditional leaders. The publication contains a foreword, preface, acknowledgements, seven thematic sections, and several subchapters, complemented by photographs documenting key moments during the crisis and significant events from the Fon’s reign.
The book provides readers with reflections on the conflict, its impact on communities, and the role of dialogue in resolving disputes. It also captures important aspects of Nso history, culture, and governance, preserving valuable knowledge for future generations while contributing to broader discussions on peacebuilding and national unity.
For many observers, the memoir represents the first major written intervention by the monarch on the Anglophone Crisis, offering unique insights shaped by personal experiences, including his own abduction during the conflict
Warm Welcome for the Fon of Nso
Hundreds of Nso sons and daughters based in Makenene and surrounding towns turned out to welcome their traditional ruler. The gathering was marked by cultural displays, expressions of loyalty to the Nso Palace and messages emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong bonds among Nso communities. The visit provided an opportunity for community members to interact directly with the Fon and discuss issues affecting their community and the wider Nso population.
As reported by DeLavmfu, one of the main cultural blogs in Nso, one notable moment of the dialogue was the Fon’s reception of the most senior Nso man in Makenene. According to accounts from the gathering, the elderly man showed loyalty to the Fon with words described by those present as wise and deeply meaningful. The Fon was reportedly moved by his intervention and ordered that a special seat be provided for him close to the Fon. The moment was widely seen as an expression of respect for elders and the important role they play in preserving Nso traditions, history and community values.
During the dialogue, the Fon emphasized the importance of peace, love, unity and cultural identity among the Nso people.
He encouraged Nso sons and daughters to remain united and law-abiding wherever they live and to uphold the values associated with “Wir Nso” The Fon also highlighted the importance of collective efforts toward the development of Bui Division.
The community dialogue also provided an opportunity for the Fon to bless the Nso Community Hall project in Makenene. The project is expected to provide a space where members of the Nso community can gather for meetings, cultural activities, social events and other community initiatives. The Fon’s involvement in the project further underscored the importance of community-driven development and collective responsibility among Nso people living away from their traditional homeland.
The Nso community in Makenene expressed appreciation for the Fon’s visit, describing it as an important opportunity for connection between the traditional institution and Nso people in the diaspora.
Community members reaffirmed their support for the Nso Palace and their commitment to promoting unity, cultural values and development within their community.
The gathering concluded in a celebratory atmosphere, with participants emphasizing the importance of maintaining solidarity and strengthening relationships among Nso people across different communities.
The Makenene dialogue comes at a time when traditional institutions and community organizations continue to play important roles in maintaining cultural identity and social cohesion among communities living away from their ancestral homes.
For the Nso community in Makenene, the Fon’s visit served not only as a traditional engagement but also as an opportunity to reaffirm shared values, strengthen community bonds and discuss a collective vision for development.
Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) will continue to highlight community initiatives that promote peace, social cohesion, cultural identity and inclusive development in Cameroon.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
