Jubilation in Nso land as Fon Sehm Mbinglo is freed!

The paramount traditional ruler of Nso land, Bui Division in the North West region of Cameroon has been released. HRH Fon Sehm Mbinglo was set free Tuesday, November 10, 2020, shortly before midday.

It remains unclear if his release was negotiated but a source at the Nso Fon’s palace in Kumbo has told Mimi Mefo Info that ransom was not paid to separatist fighters before the release of the Fon.

The traditional ruler is said to be in Ndop under the protection of the state. Traditional and administrative authorities will decide if the paramount ruler should return to Bamenda for safety or continue the journey to his palace in Kumbo in Bui division.

Fon Sehm Mbinglo II, Christian Cardinal Tumi, and others were kidnapped on the 5th of November 2020 while traveling from Bamenda to Kumbo. Cardinal Tumi was released the following day while separatist fighters kept the fon for five days.

In a video released by the fighters while the fon was in captivity, they accused him of being a blackleg and an enabler for accepting to run for regional election this December despite the continuous war in his community.

In the video, the Fon stated categorically, “…I am for one Cameroon” when separatists wanted to know if he is for separation, decentralization, or united Cameroon. He however called for a halt to education in the Anglophone regions until there is peace. He lamented that the government has not listened to his call for the military to stop killing his people.

Mbatho Ntan.