King Njoya - Banum Kingdom ( now Cameroon) remembered
Mouhammad-Nabil Mfonrifoum Mbombo Njoya (C), Sultan King of the Bamouns, attends the inauguration ceremony of the new Bamoun Kings Museum in Foumban, on April 13, 2024
Introduction
King Ibrahim Mbouombouo Njoya, also known as Sultan Njoya, was a remarkable ruler of the Bamum Kingdom in western Cameroon from 1886 to 1933. Born in 1876, he ascended to the throne at the young age of 11, becoming the 17th king of the Ncharé Yen dynasty.
Early Life and Ascension
Njoya’s father, King Nsangu, died in battle when Njoya was only three years old.
His mother, Na Njapdnunke, served as regent until 1887. Upon taking the throne, Njoya faced immediate challenges, including a three-year civil war from 1892 to 1895, which he ultimately won with the help of Sultan Oumarou of Banyo.
Innovations and Achievements
King Njoya was known for his intellectual brilliance and visionary leadership. His most notable achievements include:
The Bamum Script
Njoya invented a unique writing system called A-Ka-U-Ku or Shumom, which contained 80 characters. This script was used to preserve the Bamum language and culture.
Literary Works
He authored fifteen books using the Bamum alphabet, including romance novels and an encyclopedia on traditional pharmacopeia.
Religious Innovation
In 1915, Njoya created a syncretic religion called “njoyaism,” combining elements of Islam, Christianity, and traditional beliefs.
Cartography
He ordered surveys of his kingdom in 1912 and 1920, resulting in detailed maps using standardized symbols and colors.
Education
Njoya established schools where children were taught both German and Bamum culture, using the Bamum alphabet.
Relations with Colonial Powers
Njoya’s reign coincided with the colonial era, and he navigated complex relationships with European powers:
German Period
He maintained good relations with the Germans, even gifting a beaded throne to Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1908.
French Period
After World War I, French colonial rule was less favorable to Njoya, eventually stripping him of political power.
Legacy and Final Years
King Njoya’s influence extended beyond his reign
He is remembered as a symbol of African ingenuity, resilience, and leadership.
His cultural and educational innovations helped preserve Bamum heritage.
The palace he built in Foumban is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Sadly, Njoya’s later years were marked by hardship. The French administration exiled him to Yaoundé in 1931, where he spent his final years under house arrest. He died on May 30, 1933, at the age of 66.
Conclusion
King Njoya’s legacy continues to inspire generations, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the rich intellectual and cultural history of Africa.
FAF review
The French presence in Africa during both the colonial and post-colonial periods has been significantly detrimental. They not only exploited valuable resources but also perpetuated slavery, leaving Africa stripped of its wealth.
It raises questions about their governance, as they failed to invest in the region's infrastructure, leaving behind only the French language, which is still spoken in countries like Cameroon.
It’s sad to know about his last days he was under house arrest jn exile.
France is a prominent member of the European Union; one wonders if the EU is fully aware of France's historical actions in Africa. Have French presidents ever formally acknowledged this history to African nations? Has President Macron taken steps in this regard? Meanwhile, he expresses interest in deploying forces to defend Greenland.
The more we delve into Africa's rich history, the more we appreciate its depth and resilience. It is commendable that Africans fought for and achieved their independence from foreign domination. It is vital to preserve this legacy for future generations.
