Bafanji Women Rally in Bafoussam to Fund Community Development and Strengthen Unity

Women from Bafanji across Cameroon and the diaspora converged in Bafoussam on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in a powerful show of unity and commitment to grassroots development. The gathering, organized under the banner of the National Association of Bafanji Women, focused on mobilizing resources for priority development projects in their ancestral village.

The General Assembly brought together delegations from across the national territory and abroad, reflecting the strong bonds that continue to unite the Bafanji community despite displacement caused by the ongoing socio-political crisis in the North-West and South-West Regions. Through collective contributions, participants raised funds to support major initiatives, including a community water supply project and assistance for displaced families preparing to return home.

Addressing the women, the Paramount Ruler of Bafanji, HRM Fongwe Fong II, described the association as “a united force capable of promoting cultural values and driving development.” He emphasized that unity remains the community’s greatest strength, expressing confidence that greater achievements lie ahead. “It is only a matter of time,” he noted, “before this collective effort yields even greater results.”

The traditional ruler underscored the pivotal role women play in peacebuilding, national integration, and local development. According to him, the General Assembly serves as a platform to empower women whose contributions are deeply respected within the Bafanji community. “The place of the Bafanji woman speaks for itself,” he said, adding that women are venerated for their role in sustaining social harmony and cultural identity.

Bafoussam, often described as a land of integration and hospitality, provided a fitting venue for the event. The city has hosted diverse communities displaced by the crisis in the English-speaking regions, making it a symbol of coexistence and resilience. For the Bafanji women—an association numbering over 5,000 members—the choice of Bafoussam highlighted both cultural solidarity and national integration.

Beyond fundraising, the assembly focused on strategies to enhance women’s productivity and long-term community rebuilding. With strong backing from the diaspora, the association aims to implement projects capable of improving living conditions and encouraging the return of displaced populations.

Located on the outskirts of Bali Kumbat in Ngoketunjia Division of the North-West Region, Bafanji continues to draw strength from its women. As the assembly concluded, one message resonated clearly: through unity, determination, and collective action, Bafanji women are positioning themselves as a driving force for peace, development, and community revival.

By Yusinyu Omer