Afoh Akom questions silence of traditional authorities over deteriorating conflict in Anglophone Cameroon

One of Cameroon’s most iconic folkloric singers, Bobe Yerima Afo Akom, popularly known as Prince Afo Akom has lashed out at Fons of the North West Region for letting the crisis in the Anglophone Regions deteriorate without ‘taking any major actions.’

As one of the elites of the Boyo Division, Prince Afo Akom has for the very first time addressed issues relating to the Anglophone crisis, since it started in 2016.

In a 5 minutes video, he took time to share his dissatisfaction with what he described as ‘inaction’ from the Fons.

Afo Akom has built a reputation in his over 30 years in music, of accurately predicting and warning against impending disasters threatening the Cameroonian society.

“I always take my time in bringing out songs, and those songs are often warnings of what will happen if we are not careful… Some of the messages which I passed 30 years ago are happening today.” He mentioned in the video.

A great part of the video is a direct address to the fons of the North West Regions, following the sacrilege committed by the military in Menjang village, in the Boyo Division, North West Region. Government forces caused a massive uproar after burning the Menjang palace with the Queen mother in it.

Prince Afo Akom has called out the fons and tasked them to take action or risk more acts of desecration from armed groups.

“We know in our tradition, we normally do not ask questions to the Fon, the Fon speaks, and we respond, but this time around, I will ask… Is it high time for the Fons union in the North West region to stand up as custodians of tradition and leaders of the people, to appeal to the administration to do something.”

“It is true that some of you have fled from your regions, and taken refuge somewhere else, abandoning your subjects, whom you are supposed to die for… the silence is too much,” he continued.

Grieving over the unfortunate incident in the Menjang community, Afo Akom predicts this would repeat itself if it is not addressed now. “Can you not break the silence now because today we do not know which palace is going to be the next targeted. Since I was born, even in the conventional wars, I had never heard of a palace being attacked.”

As an iconic elite of the Boyo, Afo Akom said it is his duty to question what he feels is not right. “I am a notable, and I must talk today as an elite, I have been decorated by the state as a Knight of the Cameroon National Order of Valor, so I have my say in this matter.” he asserted.

Bobeh Yerima Afo Akom, through his music, has gained a reputation for his prophetic messages. Of his rich repertoire of songs, his biggest hits are “Femmes rural, Iyaaah, and crying for salvation.”

He is also a serial award winning artist, having scooped prizes like the Mutzig Star Best Artist award in 1992, and the 2009 Canal d’Or award for Best Traditional Artist. He has also been conferred the rank of the Knight of Cameroon’s National Order of Valour by the president of the Republic, H.E Paul Biya.

Mimi Mefo Info