Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
On the occasion of the 32nd International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, a powerful message of inclusion, dignity, and commitment echoed through the village of Nyabitande in Akom II Subdivision of the South region of Cameroon.
Led by the Mayor of Akom II, Mme Elisabeth Meka épse Ateba Mballa, alongside the Divisional Officer (DO), Mr. Christophe Avélé Ambassa, and civil society partner Green Development Advocates (GDA), local administrative authorities turned words into action, demonstrating that the indigenous Bagyeli people are an indispensable part of the municipality’s future.
Restoring Dignity and Demanding Respect
Addressing the gathering, Mayor Elisabeth Meka épse Ateba Mballa delivered an unequivocal message of unity:
“You are not a people apart; you are part and parcel of this community.”
For too long, the Bagyeli people have quietly endured deep-seated grievances—facing harassment from Bantu neighbors, labor exploitation without pay, the unlawful seizure of their ancestral lands, and treatment that treats them as second-class citizens.
Refusing to let these injustices stand, Mayor Meka called on the Bagyeli community to stand firm, unite, and actively defend their fundamental rights, assuring them that the municipal council stands firmly behind them.
Action-Oriented Commitments: Turning Promises into Progress
Rather than delivering empty speeches, Mayor Meka arrived ready with concrete solutions to address the community’s most pressing worries:
Restoring Identity (National ID Cards): Recognizing that citizenship begins with recognition, the Mayor arrived prepared. In a high-impact moment, several newly produced ID cards were distributed on the spot. She pledged to ensure every eligible Bagyeli person receives an identity card, while gently urging community members to protect and preserve these vital documents.
Empowering Education & Employment: To tackle educational deficits, Mayor Meka committed to lobbying for the complete renovation of local classrooms. In a groundbreaking move to empower the community from within, she invited literate Bagyeli individuals to apply for teaching positions, promising that the council will directly employ them to educate their peers.
Supporting Traditional Health & Midwives: Aligning with this year’s international theme—focused on the life-saving role of indigenous midwives—she called for a comprehensive list of all local Bagyeli midwives. The Mayor promised that the council will provide them with essential delivery and care kits to support their invaluable work.
A Call for Harmony and Equality
Reinforcing this powerful stance, the Divisional Officer (DO) for Akom II, Christophe Avélé Ambassa, emphasized the vital need for peaceful coexistence.
Urging the Bagyeli and Bantu communities to put aside prejudice, work hand-in-hand, and live together as brothers and sisters, DO Avélé Ambassa issued a firm decree: no indigenous person will be marginalized under his administration.
A Collaborative Path Forward
Closing the memorable day, Mayor Meka expressed deep gratitude to Green Development Advocates (GDA) for facilitating such a meaningful celebration. Extending an open door for future collaboration, she invited GDA to partner directly with the municipal council on all upcoming initiatives in Akom II.
The 32nd Indigenous People’s Day in Nyabitande was more than a celebration—it was a turning point. With hands-on leadership from Mayor Elisabeth Meka épse Ateba Mballa and DO Christophe Avélé Ambassa, Akom II is paving a clear path toward justice, equality, and sustainable development for the Bagyeli people.
