The traditional ruler of Membea Bokwaongo, HRM Chief Albert Njie Mbonde, has reinforced a growing model of inclusive leadership by offering material support to non-indigenous farmers, many of them internally displaced persons (IDPs), in a gesture aimed at easing hardship and strengthening social cohesion within the community.
The donation exercise took place on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the chief’s palace and brought together more than 100 beneficiaries drawn largely from farming communities along the fertile slopes of Mount Cameroon. Items distributed included bags of rice, blankets, buckets and other basic household necessities, coming at a crucial moment in the agricultural calendar when many families are preparing for peak farming activity.
For many of the recipients, who fled insecurity and economic distress in parts of the North-West and South-West Regions, the support represented more than relief supplies. It was a signal of acceptance in a community where integration and land-based livelihoods have become central to survival and stability.
Chief Njie Mbonde said the initiative formed part of activities marking the first anniversary of his accession to the throne. He noted that celebrations of leadership must translate into tangible benefits for all segments of society, not only symbolic recognition.
He stressed that farmers, including settlers, form a vital part of Bokwaongo’s social and economic fabric. “We felt that when there is something for one person, there should be something for all,” the monarch stated, underlining his commitment to an inclusive community where origin does not determine access to support.
Beyond the distribution of relief items, the chief used the occasion to deliver a stronger message on cohesion, urging residents and settlers to uphold local customs and respect the cultural heritage of the Mount Cameroon area. He warned that peaceful coexistence depends not only on goodwill but also on shared responsibility in preserving tradition.
The ruler also outlined ongoing development efforts under his leadership, including the renovation of the community health centre and measures to improve security in the area. He said surveillance systems are being strengthened to safeguard residents and protect agricultural activities that remain the backbone of the local economy.
Ahead of the peak rainy season, Chief Njie Mbonde further cautioned farmers against spending nights on mountain farms, citing safety risks and traditional regulations designed to prevent avoidable incidents while maintaining order in the farming zones.
The event ended on a note of celebration, with beneficiaries expressing appreciation for what many described as timely and dignifying support. Several farmers said the gesture had helped ease immediate pressures while reaffirming their sense of belonging in the community.
In a region where displacement has reshaped settlement patterns and livelihoods, the Bokwaongo initiative stands out as a local example of how traditional leadership can bridge divides. The chief’s outreach, combining welfare support with calls for responsibility and cultural respect, signals a broader effort to build a shared future anchored on stability, dignity and mutual trust.
By Hilltopvoices Web Team
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