By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Fon of Nso, His Royal Majesty, Sehm Mbinglo I has officially his book titled, “The Fon of Nso and the Anglophone Crisis: A Testimony for Reconciliation and Peace.”
The book was launched on June 25 in Yaounde accompanied by a host of dignitaries including government and traditional authorities. Eugene Ngalim and Lee Nsaibirni Warren Nsoseka were entrusted by the Fon with the task of recording his words.
Speaking during the book launch, different speakers transmitted the Fon’s message in the book. Speaking during the book launch, the President General of Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA), Shey Adamu Tardzenyuy describe the book as a royal gift.
“Embodying both the wisdom of our ancestors and a profound sense of historical necessity, this book marks an unprecedented moment in the modern history of Nso’. One might say that the Fon has crossed the threshold from oral tradition to the written word but that will not be entirely true,” Shey Tardzenyuy said.
Stressing that traditionally, a Fon transmits the wisdom of the Nso heritage through spoken pronouncements, which are then interpreted and conveyed to the public by designated custodians, he indicated that this book does not depart from that tradition so much as it extends and complements it.
Stating that the Nso people have mourned, communities have endured profound sorrow as well as the cultural identity been tested by years of conflict and uncertainty, he indicated as the head Nso Fondom, His Majesty has not merely witnessed these events from afar; “he has lived through them. He has confronted personally the harsh realities of war, bearing both the burdens of leadership and the pain of a people caught in crisis.”
Shey Tardzenyuy added, “This book is not a cry of despair. His Majesty refuses to be confined by bitterness. Where many might have faltered, He has chosen the path of a true leader. He has opted for calm over chaos, reflection over revenge. He has overcome immense personal wounds—including the cruel loss of two princes of childbearing age, and a couple of terrifying periods in captivity.”
In captivity, facing threats to his life, and the desecration of the throne, Shey Tardzenyuy stated that the Fon courageously, called for unity. “No one endures such trials unscathed, though. Even so, His Majesty offers us a powerful lesson: we must bear our scars with dignity. He is not seeking awards or historical acclaim. Instead, he has channeled his deepest suffering into a guiding vision for national healing.”
To the esteemed analysts, peacebuilders, and policymakers present Shey Tardzenyuy pointed out that “the book provides our nation with a practical framework built on five essential principles: testimony, truth, dialogue, reconciliation, and peace.” he added that “it is not a political statement. It is a genuine, personal account of hardship, resilience, and compassion, presented to ensure our memories hold true. It serves as a calm, serious invitation for us to examine ourselves as a nation.”
He however used the opportunity on behalf of the Nso’ Cultural and Development Association (NSODA), invite all peace builders, non-governmental organizations, corporate partners, and the international community present today to collaborate with NSODA to bring the essence of this book to life.
Talking about the return of ‘Ngonnso’ which he said is “not merely a cultural artifact or a historical object; she is a living symbol of our origins, unity, and collective destiny.” He added that her absence represents a wound that remains unhealed.
“The return of Ngonnso’ would therefore signify far more than the restoration of a treasured heritage object. It would be an act of historical justice, a gesture of reconciliation, and a meaningful step toward the healing of old wounds. It would reaffirm the dignity of a people and restore an essential bond between the living, their ancestors, and the generations yet to come,” he said.
Eugene Ngalim, stated that it was a ducting task to convince the Fon to accept writing the book as the Fon constantly emphasized that since the founding of the Nso dynasty, the tradition has been faithfully transmitted orally.
“This book is the Fon’s testimony. It is not written to stir emotions for its own sake, nor to reopen wounds that time must heal. It is written with the deepest honesty the Fon can offer, so that those who live today and those who will come after us may understand what happened, why it matters, and what must never be repeated,” Eugene Ngalim said.
He added, “This testimony is the Fon’s offerings to Nso, to Cameroon, and to all who seek peace. It is a call to remember that no matter how deep the crisis, we must never lose sight of the humanity in one another. We must never forget that war, no matter its cause, leaves behind ashes, not answers.”
According to Ngalim Eugene, The purpose of this book is not to replace Nso oral tradition, but to complement, strengthen, and preserve for posterity a small part of the broader royal narrative and messages.
“It responds to the demands of the present moment while remaining faithful to the enduring values of Nso culture. In this sense, it serves as a tool for peace, reconciliation, and historical preservation, both within and beyond Nso, in keeping with the core Nso ethical principles of respect for human life,” he added.
He stressed, “The book is also designed to support the Fon’s community dialogue, which will bring together all Nso, all Nso sons and daughters living both in Cameroon and in the diaspora. The dialogue is expected to culminate in To’ Nso, where the final ritual of reconciliation and peace will be performed.”
Minister Vivian Asheri Kilo on his part invited all not to take the book into academic discourses that will not take anyone anywhere. “The book is simple. It’s written in plain simple language communicating a spirit of hope, a spirit of rejuvenation, a spirit of love rekindled.”
Concerning the return of Ngonnso, the Minister assured everyone that everything is in progress, “and so we do not need to do any actions that would seem to precipitate or, more so, detract from what our Fon has done today.”
The book is made up of 170 pages and was taken over two years to write the book. The contents of the book includes a foreword, preface, and acknowledgment, and divided into seven parts with sub-chapters.
The book traces events from the enthronement of the Fon to the genesis of the crisis, and recounts what the Fon endured during the period. He acknowledges with deep gratitude all those who contributed to his well-being in those difficult moments.
The book also includes a reflection of solidarity messages from some of the Fons of Bui. The book ends with the Fon’s goodwill message to the people of Nso, Bui, and Cameroon, a message of peace and reconciliation, and finally, a royal call to reconciliation.
“In his royal call, his Majesty stated, the true wisdom of a people is their ability to listen, to understand, and to seek peaceful ways of handling their differences without causing harm,” he said.
