Third Bagyeli Assembly creates new platform for communities to collectively advocate for their rights in Cameroon

The Nlaré unites all five Bagyeli civil society organizations in the zone (ADEBAGO, ADEPA, ARBO, BACUDA and Mpo’ong Ya Nkwano) and will enable them to collectively advocate for Bagyeli rights – a huge step forward.  

Bagyeli communities in Océan are confronted with a multitude of threats as infrastructure, development and agro-industrial projects sweep across the area, causing widespread destruction of their ancestral forests. Some communities have been displaced repeatedly by the deep-water port of Kribi, others face losing territory to mining or have had land appropriated by their Bantu neighbours. All are affected by deforestation and large-scale plantations of oil-palm or rubber. In addition, Assembly participants highlighted discrimination and marginalisation, loss of culture and language, and lack of access to citizenship. 

Bagyeli leaders expressed their hope that Nlaré will enable them to engage in dialogue with the authorities on an equal footing, effectively defend the rights of the Bagyéli, preserve their threatened cultural heritage and negotiate development programmes adapted to their realities.

The Nlaré wa Bagyeli objectives include:

• To promote the empowerment, socio-economic, cultural, and professional integration of the Bagyeli people of Cameroon by raising awareness and carrying out related activities;
• To value and protect the lands and forests occupied by Indigenous peoples by ensuring environmental protection;
• To promote and revitalize Bagyeli culture;
• To promote the social integration of the Bagyeli people;
• To facilitate the inclusion of all segments of the Bagyeli population, particularly women and youth.

Rostand Diki, Nlaré’s project manager, explained further:  

“For me, Nlaré represents the culmination of a movement that fills a gap in Indigenous activism in the Océan region. Strategically, Nlaré serves as a showcase and communication channel for Indigenous organizations and communities throughout Océan. I am delighted with how the Bagyeli Assembly unfolded. Nlaré is a space where the Bagyeli organizations of Océan can speak with a unified voice and a shared vision in the face of the situations and challenges our communities are experiencing. The arrival of this platform strengthens our bonds of unity, learning, and experience-sharing so that we can influence regional dynamics and decision-making.”

Now that the Nlaré wa Bagyeli has an active governing body, they will work to legalise the platform and use it as the main tool with which to communicate with the government and private sector actors. 

A voice for women in the Bagyeli communities

Assembly discussions were interspersed with song, dance, and celebrations of Bagyeli culture and whole group sessions were facilitated by both men and women to ensure a gender balance. BACUDA also paid special attention to the specific situation of Bagyeli women, who experience double marginalisation linked to their indigeneity and their gender, by organising separate focus groups. Women said they would like capacity-building to help them make their voices heard, and requested support for processing non-timber forest products, promoting traditional medicine and crafts, and training in agroecology, hygiene and sanitation, midwifery and small trades such as beauty, hairdressing and sewing