by Arison Tamfu, Wang Ze
YAOUNDE, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Buea, the chief town of Cameroon's Southwest Region, came back to life over the weekend as residents were mesmerized by the beat of drums intertwined with delicate melodies during a cultural festival to celebrate culture and promote peace.
It was a welcome respite in the region where an armed separatist conflict had put a dampener on cultural celebrations. Since 2017, separatist fighters have been clashing with government forces in Cameroon's Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest in a bid to create an independent nation.
The festival, themed "Peace, Cultural Revival, Social Cohesion and Investment Promotion" and organized by the South West Chiefs' Conference (SWECC), a local traditional leaders' organization, is the first of its kind in the region that is still struggling with the separatist conflict.
Peace and security were the main topics for those who addressed participants at Bongo Square, where activities took place.
"For the longest of time, this place has not been alive like what we are witnessing today," said Pauline Nalova Lyonga Egbe, Cameroon's minister of secondary education, who represented the country's prime minister at the three-day event.
"A couple of years ago, it was not possible for us to gather for a cultural festival. If we are able to gather here today, it is because some Cameroonians put their lives at stake to ensure the peace and unity of our country," said Moses Obenofunde, president of the SWECC, urging "our children who are still protesting to drop their arms and join us in the task for nation building."
Residents told Xinhua that they still find joy and meaning in their traditions and culture, which have been adversely affected by years of violence. For them, the South West Cultural Festival is more than just a festival. It is a way of life that celebrates their heritage and resilience.
"After several years of violence and deaths, this festival is truly an exciting experience for me. I am glad to have not only witnessed this but also taken part in it," said 55-year-old Jude Ebot, a respected member of a masquerade troupe that presented an eye-catching performance at the event.
The festival showcased a diverse array of traditional dances, artifacts, folklore and cuisine, spotlighting the diverse heritage of the region.
Behind the scenes, some performers meticulously applied face paint and donned elaborate costumes, highlighting the preparation involved in the centuries-old traditions. They then took turns to perform in front of dignitaries, traditional leaders and hundreds of curious onlookers.
For most people at the festival, stilt dancing portrayed a vital yet mysterious cultural ritual of the region. They watched in awe as stilt dancers, standing over eight feet (about 2.44 meters) tall on their stilts, displayed a performance that was part ritual, part acrobatics and a lot of fun.
Many women, wearing tribal costumes, sang and danced, keeping alive customs that have passed down through generations.
Some of the often secretive groups used elaborate masks and costumes in performances that combined dance, music and theater. The rituals are believed to channel spirits or ancestors during important occasions.
"These rituals protect our families and ward off diseases, violence or any other ills from our villages and bring good luck," Ebot told Xinhua.
People from various parts of the region said they hope new efforts for peace will ensure stability in the country.
"My only dream is to live in peace and harmony, and I wish the New Year 2025 bring us happiness and stability to the country and my compatriots," said Victor Mafany, who came to watch traditional dancers perform.
Josephine Enow, 35, another resident, said she is tired of war and violence and wants to see peace in her life and the development of her homeland.
"We call on the government and separatist fighters to dialogue and end the violence and make next year a year of peace for Cameroonians," Enow added.
When the festival ended Sunday, there was no report of armed attack as feared by residents, a clear sign that the people love their culture and desperately want peace, said Obenofunde. ■
