Brotherly dispute over Bessi Awum throne threatens to erupt in violence

Batibo, Cameroon (CNA)– The Bessi Awum community in Batibo stands on the precipice of conflict as a succession dispute threatens to tear families apart. The simmering tension between brothers Mbah Wilfred Ndam and Mbah Daniel Fon, both vying for the Fon’s (king’s) throne, has reached a boiling point.

The crux of the issue lies in the absence of a will from their late father, the previous Fon. Mbah Wilfred ascended the throne five years ago. However, allegations of foul play have emerged, casting a shadow over his legitimacy.

A leaked voice recording and a reported monetary transaction point towards Mbah Wilfred potentially influencing the holder of the will to suppress its release. This will, according to community sources, names Mbah Daniel Fon as the rightful heir.

The situation grew more complex in 2019 when the SDO (Senior Divisional Officer) of Mbegwei sealed the palace in an attempt to maintain order. Unfortunately, the ongoing Anglophone crisis pushed the issue into the background without a definitive resolution.

With the recent confirmation of the will’s existence, fears of violence have intensified. The community desperately seeks government intervention to prevent a bloody conflict. The administration’s silence since 2020, attributed to the Anglophone crisis, has only fueled anxieties.

“Our beautiful family is on the verge of being ripped apart,” lamented a community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity fearing reprisals. “We implore the government to act swiftly and ensure a peaceful resolution based on tradition and the will of our late Fon.”

This fraternal dispute highlights the importance of clear succession plans, particularly within traditional institutions. The Bessi Awum community serves as a cautionary tale, urging families and communities to establish transparent procedures to avoid similar conflicts in the future.

Calls to Action:

• The Bessi Awum community leaders are urging the Cameroon government to intervene and facilitate a peaceful resolution based on tradition and the will of the late Fon.
• Human rights organizations and traditional authorities are encouraged to play a mediating role to prevent violence and restore harmony within the community.

Safety Notice:

This story is based on information gathered from community sources. The authenticity of the voice recording and the alleged monetary transaction cannot be independently verified by CNA