Cameroon: Balondo People Reunite for Peace and Sustainable Development

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – After an eight-year break caused by sociopolitical unrest in the South West and North West Regions, the Balondo people are preparing to reunite in a landmark event aimed at promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development in the Division.

From April 11 to 13, sons and daughters of the Balondo ethnic group will converge on Lobe Balondo village, in the Ndian Division of the South West for the 20th Annual General Assembly of the Balondo Cultural and Development Association (BACUDA).

The 20th Annual General Assembly will be under the theme: “The Balondo People on the Path to Sustainable Peace and Development. This year’s gathering carries a special significance, marking a return to dialogue, cultural celebration, and strategic planning for the community’s future. The event is being organized under the patronage of the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dion Ngute, underscoring its national importance.

The Balondo community, spread across some 17 chiefdoms, is expected to turn out in large numbers for the assembly. Organizers have issued a clarion call to all villages and families to participate actively in discussions aimed at rebuilding trust, strengthening cultural ties, and charting a unified path toward lasting peace and prosperity.

Since its creation, the Balondo Cultural and Development Association has served as a cornerstone of community-driven development and cultural preservation, engaging youth and elders alike in education, economic empowerment, and heritage promotion. This year’s edition will focus particularly on reinvigorating the cultural flame among younger generations and fostering leadership for the future.

The three-day event is expected to feature traditional dances, cultural exhibitions, and more. With peace and reconciliation efforts gaining traction across Cameroon, the Balondo people’s assembly in Lobe Balondo serves as a powerful reminder of the role cultural identity and community solidarity play in building resilient societies.

With high-level dignitaries, traditional rulers, and development partners expected to attend, hopes are high that the 20th BACUDA assembly will usher in a renewed era of unity and purpose for the Balondo people – anchored in their heritage, yet forward-looking in ambition. This reunion presents a unique opportunity for the Balondo people to reaffirm their identity, discuss pressing issues, and chart a collective future.