Nso Paramount Fon breaks silence on anglophone crisis in new book

As the Anglophone crisis approaches a decade of devastating consequences for communities across the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, the Paramount Fon of Nso, His Majesty Fon Sehm Mbinglo I, is turning to the written word to document lived experiences, preserve historical memory and contribute to ongoing efforts toward peace and reconciliation.

The revered traditional ruler is set to officially launch his maiden publication, The Fon of Nso’ and the Anglophone Crisis: A Testimony for Reconciliation and Peace, in Yaoundé on June 25, 2026, before taking the book to other towns across Cameroon and the diaspora.

The launch comes at a time when the conflict continues to leave deep scars on affected communities. Thousands have lost their lives, hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes, while many families remain separated by violence and forced migration.

Against this backdrop, the 170-page publication seeks to offer a first-hand account of one of the most turbulent periods in the recent history of the Nso people and the country at large. According to the author, the book is structured into seven parts and contains sub-chapters, a foreword, preface and acknowledgements, alongside photographs documenting key moments of the crisis and important achievements in the history of the Nso Fonship.

According to HRM Fon Sehm Mbinglo I, the publication is intended to serve as both testimony and legacy.

Having himself experienced the impact of the conflict, including his abduction by armed separatist fighters in 2020 and subsequent relocation to Yaoundé following his release, the monarch writes from a position shaped by personal encounters with the realities of war, displacement and community suffering.

The book seeks to address a growing concern over the preservation of historical narratives surrounding the crisis and the experiences of traditional institutions caught in the conflict. While oral tradition remains central to Nso cultural heritage, the author argues that documenting these experiences in writing will complement and strengthen efforts to preserve them for future generations.

Beyond historical documentation, the publication presents dialogue as a pathway out of conflict. Rooted in the Nso tradition of “Tooy Fon,” a practice centred on consultation, wisdom and consensus-building, the book advocates reconciliation through mutual respect, understanding, fairness and forgiveness.

In a press statement announcing the launch, the author notes that the work is designed to contribute to peacebuilding efforts by encouraging reflection on the divisions created by years of violence and the need to rebuild trust within communities.

Observers say the publication could provide a unique perspective on the conflict from the standpoint of traditional leadership, an institution that has often found itself navigating complex relationships between state authorities, armed groups and local populations.

Writing about the significance of the publication, Ngalim Eugine Nyuydine describes the book as “an important national conversation” on loss, healing and the difficult journey toward peace. He notes that the testimony speaks to families affected by the conflict and to all those who believe dialogue remains essential for Cameroon’s future.

The launch ceremony, organised with the support of CAMYOSFOP, will bring together traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives, cultural associations, members of the diaspora, government officials, civil society actors and members of the diplomatic corps.

Organisers say the event will be conducted in the spirit of ancestral dialogue and community engagement, highlighting the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, justice and unity.

As Cameroon continues to search for pathways toward sustainable peace, the publication is expected to contribute to public understanding of the conflict while preserving a crucial chapter of Nso history. Through personal testimony and cultural wisdom, the Fon hopes to inspire conversations that move beyond division toward reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

The official launch takes place on June 25, 2026, at the Hôtel de Ville in Yaoundé.