The Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Bui, Meyong Gilbert Sunday, has banned the Masquerade of Tensla from Kikaikilaki village in Kumbo, North West Region.
The ban is contained in a press release dated October 30, 2024.
“With effect from the date of signature of the present order, the display of masquerades from Tsenla Compound-Kikaikelaki is hereby prohibited throughout Bui Division,” the order reads.
Offering no reason for the ban, the SDO warned that “any person or group of persons who violate or attempts to violate this Order shall be prosecuted in accordance with the laws and regulations in force.”
The SDO charged Divisional Officers, heads of forces of law and order, and traditional rulers of Bui to strictly implement the decision.
Observers suggest the SDO’s decision is not unconnected to the insecurity posed by separatist armed groups in Bui.
This is because separatists have infiltrated masquerade displays in the past to attack the military.
The decision might affect the village’s participation in the Ngonnso Cultural Festival held late November.
The annual fiesta is the largest cultural event in Nso but was suspended due to the armed conflict ravaging the two English speaking regions of Cameroon.
Mimi Mefo Info – Bui SDO Bans Masquerade Ahead of Ngonnso Festival
