Partisan Politics : North West “Fons” Enjoined To Be Neutral

Within the prevailing context of the socio-political and security crisis in the North West and South West Regions characterised by the eroding powers of traditional rulers some of whom have escaped from their villages, Reverend Father Tatah Mbuy has vehemently suggested that Fons should not be involved in partisan politics giving valid reasons.  This is the main content of his 132-page book entitled, “Fons of “Traditional Bamenda” and Partisan Politics in Contemporary Cameroon: Reconstructing Identity and Cultural Meaning.” Traditional Bamenda corresponds to the present day North West Region.
During the launching ceremony of the book at the premises of the National Episcopal Conference in Yaounde on September 3, 2021, he said, “They are political animals that like every other human being have the right to vote following their political rights but should not be involved in partisan politics. This is because every Fon is a high priest of his place and every high priest unites both the living and the dead. If the Fon takes sides, he will be dividing his own children.” In the presence of a cross section of multidimensional public, among whom was the former Prime Minister and current Grand Chancellor of National Orders, Philemon Yang, Reverend Father Tatah Mbuy insisted that, “We should endeavour to make our Fons neutral because a Fon is the symbol of neutrality and fairness.” To enable Fons remain neutral from partisan politics, he suggested three ways which each ethnic group and community can afford the sustainability of their Fon.
Prior to the presentation of the book that has three parts with each comprised of five chapters, Professor Willibroad Dze Ngwa, lecturer in the University of Yaounde I, gave a talk on “Addressing Root Causes in Peace Building.” His focused more on best practices and the role of traditional rul...