Bamenda: Government Steps In To Resolve Land Dispute Between Communities

Work on course to materialize the demarcated Mbesa/Oku boundary is expected to open a new chapter in the relations between the two conflicting communities. In effect, both fondoms, respectively in Boyo and Bui divisions have suffered pain, hardship and lost family members in the over 70 year-old conflict. It was against this backdrop that North West Governor, Adolphe Lele  Lafrique travelled to Mbesa on April 20, 2016 where he launched work to materialize demarcation to give peace and tranquility a chance.

The tone for field work was set when he commissioned the works Commission on the strength of Provincial Order No. 00007/ PD/E/GNW. CG.30/SG/LA of 29^th March, 2007. An endorsement Order of 28^th August, 2008 by MINATD matters when Commission members later proceeded to the disputed area for work with Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique urging the population to avoid derailing the commission because facts and truth is their password for a definite solution. Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique stressed that demarcation work is not meant to separate Mbesa and Oku people who must now emerge with a new spirit as people with a common origin. He saluted initial peace building initiatives by the Fons of Mbesa and Oku which paved the way for the Administration to foster reconciliation  efforts with the materialization of  work on the boundary.

The event offered a moment for the Mayors of Belo and Oku municipalities , Tosam Bernard and Njioh Jerome Ngum as well as their majesties; Fon Gilbert Njong of Mbesa and Sintieh II of Oku to be forward moving with peace and reconciliation efforts. “Let us co-exist and not see land to slow our progress and development” was the message that emerged from speaker after speaker.