By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
HRH Barrister Ndong Christopher, the third-class traditional ruler of Munteng Village in the Wum Central Subdivision of the Menchum Division in the Northwest Region, has devoted his reign to the well-being of his community.
Since taking the throne, he has consistently envisioned a transformative future for Munteng. However, his ambitions have faced considerable obstacles due to the Anglophone crisis, which has severely affected the two Anglophone regions for the past eight years and counting.
Like many communities in the Northwest and Southwest Regions, Munteng Village has been deeply impacted by the unrest, with many residents fleeing their homes in search of safety. Despite these challenges, HRH Barrister Ndong Christopher has remained resolute in his commitment to revitalizing the village. Eight years later, his dreams and plans for progress continue to flourish.
To unite his people and foster a sense of community as the crisis begins to subside, the Fon, along with the village development association, has set ambitious objectives to reshape Munteng Village. Acknowledging the collateral damage inflicted on his community—loss of lives, livestock, and crops—he initiated a cultural festival aimed at reconnecting with those who have relocated.
In November 2024, this visionary initiative materialized at a makeshift palace in Buea, where Munteng elites—both local and expatriate—gathered for a “Grand End of Year Cultural Festival.” This event not only celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Munteng but also served as a fundraising platform for essential water and solar panel projects, estimated to cost CFA 15 million.
The festival showcased a vibrant array of traditional foods, attire, dances, and cultural performances, highlighting the resilience and spirit of the Munteng community. As they move into 2025, the Fon and the President of MUCUDA have intensified efforts by forming a committee to conduct feasibility studies and cost assessments for both projects.
During the festivities, the Fon expressed his gratitude to the Mayor of Wum Central Subdivision for his tireless efforts to install solar street lights in Munteng Village. However, he also voiced concerns about the lack of government support, emphasizing critical issues such as poor access roads, missing bridges, insufficient electricity, lack of potable water, and inadequate healthcare facilities.
Despite these obstacles, HRH Barrister Ndong Christopher remains hopeful. With ongoing projects and future initiatives, he believes that Munteng Village is on the brink of significant change. The village, located near Benakuma, Essimbi, and Atue Village, boasts a major tourist attraction: the “Mumuah” Lake, shared with the neighboring Atue Village.
In the face of adversity, the spirit of Munteng Village perseveres, driven by a collective commitment to resilience and progress. The Fon’s unwavering dedication and visionary leadership are paving the way for a brighter future for Munteng Village, transforming it into a beacon of hope and progress in the Northwest Region.
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