The South West Chiefs’ Conference (SWECC) has announced it is expecting massive participation in the second edition of the Southwest Cultural Festival, set to take place later this year.
During a press conference held over the weekend in Buea, SWECC officially launched preparations for the much-anticipated event. According to the organisers, the maiden edition was a resounding success, and they hope to build on that momentum with even greater engagement this year.
The three-day festival is scheduled to run from December 12th to 14th in Buea under the theme “Showcasing Cultural Identity and Consolidating Peace and Entrepreneurial Consciousness.”
Speaking to the press at SWECC’s secretariat in Buea, SWECC President Dr. John Amadou Mukube emphasised the importance of continuity in cultural promotion.
“The theme is an invitation for a wider population of the Southwest to appropriate this theme, and then we move from talking to action,” he said.
“We want a very massive participation to make Southwest people do things that will make them proud of themselves—to be self-reliant entrepreneurs in whatever field,” he added.
Dr. Mukube stressed that fostering self-reliance and independence, particularly among the youth, can help reduce crime in the region. The chiefs are optimistic the festival will serve as a platform to promote peace and development.
Innovations Expected at Second Edition
Last year’s edition, held at Mbongo Square, brought together indigenes from across the Southwest to celebrate their diverse cultural heritage. The region comprises five divisions, each home to various tribal groups with distinct traditions and practices.
The inaugural festival successfully showcased this cultural diversity, using it as a tool to promote social cohesion and unity—not just among Southwesterners but across Cameroon.
For this year’s edition, organizers are introducing several new elements, including traditional dances, a fashion parade, and culinary showcases. These innovations aim to further enrich the cultural experience while also addressing broader social concerns.
According to SWECC, initiatives like these can contribute to healing and reconciliation, especially in light of the ongoing armed conflict in English-speaking regions of Cameroon.
Notably, Buea has enjoyed relative peace over the past two years—a trend the chiefs hope the festival will continue to reinforce.
