Day: June 26, 2024

A manhunt has been initiated for a 40-year-old man who allegedly made his in-laws homeless by setting fire to their home, where his ex-wife and seven children were residing in Nguesse, a village in Bamenkombo, Mbouda Subdivision in the West Region.

Locals reported that the wife left due to domestic violence and had returned to their family compound with the seven children they shared. The man, Kenne Ferdinand, known for his criminal behavior, did not accept the separation and orchestrated the planned arson in the absence of the occupants.

Following the heinous act, the man fled and is currently being sought by the Bamesso Gendarmerie brigade.

Sources also reveal that Ferdinand had previously attempted to poison the local population by contaminating raffia wine belonging to some residents.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

By Orientiah Lambi ( entertainment reporter CNA)

Cameroon is renowned for its rich cultural diversity, often described as ‘Africa in miniature’ because it encapsulates the cultural variety of the continent within its borders.

Here are ten key aspects of Cameroonian culture:

Ethnic Diversity: Cameroon is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique customs, languages, and traditions. Major groups include the Fang/Beti, Bamileke, Fulani, and many others, making the country a cultural mosaic.

Languages: While French and English are the official languages, over 230 local languages are spoken across Cameroon. These languages reflect the country’s ethnic diversity and are integral to cultural identity and heritage.

Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance play a pivotal role in Cameroonian culture, with each ethnic group having its distinct styles. Traditional instruments like drums, balafons, and koras are commonly used. Genres such as Makossa and Bikutsi have also gained international recognition
.

Festivals and ceremonies: Festivals are a vital part of Cameroonian life, celebrating everything from harvests to traditional rites of passage. Notable examples include the Ngondo Festival of the Sawa people and the Nguon Festival of the Bamoun.

Cuisine: when it comes to Cameroonian cuisine, its diverse and numerous flavors often reflect the country’s cultural regions. Staple foods include cassava, plantains, and maize, while dishes like Ndolé (bitter leaf stew) which is the nation’s national dish, and Achu soup are popular. Each region has its culinary specialties.

Traditional Clothing: Clothing in Cameroon varies by region and ethnic group. The vibrant, intricate designs of the Bamileke and Bamenda regions, and the elaborate Fulani robes, are examples of how attire signifies cultural identity, which stands out to show the wealth of the nation.

Art and Craftsmanship: Cameroon has a rich tradition of craftsmanship, producing intricate wood carvings, pottery, and beadwork. The Bamileke masks and Bamun br
onze works are particularly renowned for their artistry and cultural significance.

Religious Practices: Religion in Cameroon is diverse, with Christianity and Islam being the major religions, alongside a significant presence of indigenous spiritual beliefs. Many Cameroonians blend traditional practices with these religions, especially in rural areas because they still believe in their forefathers.

Social Structures and Kinship: Social organization often revolves around kinship and clan systems. Elders and traditional leaders play a crucial role in community governance and conflict resolution, maintaining cultural continuity and social harmony.

Modern Influences and Cultural Evolution: As Cameroonian society modernizes, there is a dynamic interplay between preserving traditional cultures and embracing contemporary influences. This is evident in urban areas where traditional practices coexist with modern lifestyles, creating a unique cultural fusion that brings people together.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

The Delegate of Public Health for the North West region, Dr. Kingsley Che Soh, has warned the people of Bali Nyonga and its environs against eating meat from Cows that were struck by lightning this week.

Read More: Lightning strike claims lives of 28 Cows in Bali Ngyonga – Cameroon News Agency

However, the Delegation has noticed that when the incident occurred, many people rushed to the area to collect free meat. The Delegate now says this is not advisable for their health. He noted that experts are supposed to carry out medical laboratory samples to determine if the cows were in good condition before being struck, which will take six hours.

However, it has been hard to convince those who rushed to the site not to collect a portion.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Widows in the Bamboutos Division of the West, like elsewhere in Cameroon, still face poverty, denial of inheritance, eviction from their homes, ostracism, and abuse. Mme Sonwa Lonko Marie, the president of the Babadjou Widows Association, highlighted these issues on June 25 during a ceremony at the Babadjou Council’s banquet hall to mark International Widows Day.

She emphasized that in the 21st century, widows are mistreated by their in-laws. The common belief that a woman’s life ends when she loses her husband leads to unfavorable treatment by family members. These widows call for authorities to address their challenges.

Not only do widows suffer, but their children also face difficulties, including being withdrawn from school and increased vulnerability to abuse, particularly for girls.

During the ceremony, the Divisional Officer, Noah Mani Venant, suggested enhancing awareness and urged widows to speak out against injustices they encounter.

International Widows Day, established by the United Nations in
2010, aims to shed light on widows’ human rights violations worldwide after their spouses’ passing. It advocates for their full rights through research, addressing violence, discrimination, and poverty, and creating policies and programs.

The event gathered municipal, traditional, and political authorities who provided necessities to the widows. The theme for this year, ‘Widows for Peace through Democracy,’ aligns with the 2024 Commission on the Status of Women’s goal to accelerate gender equality by strengthening land and property rights.

Source: Cameroon News Agency