Bagyeli leaders unite against shared threats

Bagyeli leaders from five Bagyeli organisations across the Océan region of South Cameroon have taken the first steps in building a united movement against deforestation, land tenure issues and other shared threats.

Overcoming considerable logistical and financial hurdles, and with support from FPP, leaders from ADEBAGO, ADEPA, ARBO, BACUDA and Mpo’ong Ya Nkwano first came together over two days in February 2024 in the town of Kribi to strategise responses and resistance to shared problems such as lack of secure land tenure, deforestation, the lack of recognition of their traditional leaders, and inter- and intra-community conflict. Solutions proposed centred around boosting communication between Bagyeli organisations and fostering leadership in communities and in the next generation.

Their meeting preceded the first ever Bagyeli Assembly, which brought together over 30 representatives of 14 communities for two days of exchange in the nearby village of Lolabe.

Following the assembly, an official declaration was formulated to be used in advocacy for the protection of their forest and territory. Approved by assembly participants, the declaration makes several recommendations for Bagyeli individuals, Bagyeli civil society organisations, and government. It has been shared with relevant local and regional authorities; relevant ministries in Yaoundé; and the office of the Prime Minister, with a request for a meeting.

In December 2024, a second assembly held at the request of communities had nearly double the attendance. As well as continuing discussions on deforestation and land appropriation, participants sought each other’s advice on specific issues, such as childhood pregnancy, lack of engagement with midwifery services, substance abuse, discrimination by Bantu neighbours, and loss of traditional healers’ knowledge.

The second assembly was also preceded by a 2-day meeting of leaders, where a proposal evolved to create Nlaté wa Bagyeli ba Ma’an – a union of the Bagyeli people of Océan. This new network of Bagyeli organisations and communities has the goal of supporting individuals to help themselves through building leadership at the individual, community and organisation level. Bagyeli leaders continue to build the structure of the nlaté/union, and plan to legalise it.