Buea, the capital of Cameroon’s Southwest Region, came alive over the weekend as locals celebrated their cultural heritage at the inaugural South West Cultural Festival. The event, which featured traditional music, dance, and rituals, provided a rare moment of joy and unity in a region long affected by conflict.
Since 2017, the Southwest and Northwest regions of Cameroon have been engulfed in a violent separatist struggle, with armed groups seeking to establish an independent Anglophone nation. The ongoing clashes between separatist fighters and government forces have disrupted life in the area and hindered cultural celebrations. However, the festival’s success brought a sense of renewal and pride to the local population, eager for peace.
Organized by the South West Chiefs’ Conference (SWECC), a traditional leadership body, the festival aimed to promote cultural revival, social cohesion, and peace. This event marked the first of its kind in a region still grappling with the fallout of the separatist conflict.
The festival, held at Bongo Square, focused on the themes of “Peace, Cultural Revival, Social Cohesion, and Investment Promotion.” Government officials and traditional leaders underscored the importance of peace and security in their speeches. Cameroon’s Minister of Secondary Education, who represented the Prime Minister at the event, noted, “For the longest time, this place has not experienced the vibrancy we are witnessing today.”
Moses Obenofunde, president of the SWECC, reflected on the significance of the festival, stating, “A few years ago, it would have been impossible to hold such an event. Today, we gather because of the sacrifices made by those who fought for peace and unity.”
The festival featured a wide range of cultural performances, including traditional dances, musical displays, and regional cuisine. Behind the scenes, performers spent hours preparing, applying face paint, and donning colorful costumes to represent their rich cultural heritage.
A highlight of the festival was the stilt dance, a unique cultural performance in which dancers, standing over eight feet tall, combined acrobatics and ritual in a mesmerizing display. Local women also performed traditional dances, keeping alive customs that have been passed down through generations.
For many residents, the festival was a symbolic celebration of their culture and resilience after years of violence. One participant, a respected member of a local masquerade troupe, expressed his gratitude: “After so many years of conflict, this festival has brought joy to my heart. I am proud to be part of this cultural revival.”
The event also saw the participation of traditional groups performing sacred rituals, believed to channel spirits and ancestors during important ceremonies. These rituals are seen as vital for protecting the community from harm and ensuring prosperity.
“We believe these rituals keep us safe and bring good fortune,” said one elder, reflecting on the significance of the traditions.
As the festival concluded without incident, many expressed hope that the event would serve as a turning point in the region’s efforts to achieve lasting peace. “We have suffered enough,” said a resident. “We hope that 2025 will bring peace and stability to our country.”
The successful conclusion of the festival, free from the violence many had feared, was seen as a positive sign by both participants and officials. According to Obenofunde, the festival was not only a cultural triumph but also a powerful reminder of the people’s unwavering desire for peace.