The Republic of Cameroon is governed by his Excellency, Paul BIYA, president of the Republic, Chief of State and Commander of the Armed Forces. Paul BIYA, Head of State since 1982, was re-elected in 1997 for another seven-year term A 1996 amendment to the constitution extended the president’s term from five years to seven years, and introduced a two-term limit).
The Bamun Sultanate is an integral part of the Republic of Cameroon .The present Sultan, El-Hadj Ibrahim MBOMBO NJOYA, held several ministerial positions in the Republic from 1957 until 1992 when he was chosen to succeed his father, the late Sultan Seidou NJIMOLUH NJOYA. Sultan Ibrahim MBOMBO NJOYA is very close to President BIYA, with whom he maintains a very good political relationship. Today, the Sultan is one of the most influential members of the political bureau of the Cameroon ruling party, the C.P.D.M (Cameroon People Democratic Movement).
Introduction of Religions in Bamoun Kingdom
From 1394 to 1889, sixteen Kings ruled the Bamoun KINGDOM. Around 1889, following the death of its 16th King NSANGOU, the son NJOYA has been enthroned at a very low age. His age was estimated at 9 or 12 years old. His mother NJAPNDOUNKE was entrusted with the duty of the regency, when in between time, one of the greatest Notable GBETNKOM NDOMBOUO started a war against the young King in odder to usurp the throne. The war was very hard for the young King who finally decided to call for the help of the « Emir » of YOLA (Nigeria) . It should be recalled that he knew him since the reign of his father NSANGOU trough the commercial link between them and knew that the people of YOLA was made of very strong horsemen who could be useful for him.
The Lamido of BANYO who was under the « Emirate » of YOLA sent a cavalry in help to NJOYA. Together with the loyalists of NJOYA, they overcome the enemy in a short time. Very surprised, NJOYA asked them to reveal to him the secret of their power. They told NJOYA that their power comes from their believing in ALLAH the God of Islam in whom when you believe, you become always stronger. NJOYA then decided to abandon animism and convert to Islam. It was the first introduction of Islam in Bamoun Kingdom around 1896.
Later in 1902, the first Germans got into the Kingdom. In 1906, King NJOYA decided to go for a war against the Banso people (North West Cameroon). This time, the people from Banyo went away and He decided to ask for the help of Germans. During this war, NJOYA discovered that Germans were stronger than the people of BANYO. He will say: « the God of German is stronger than the one of BANYO people”. When he asked German about their God, they said their God is Jesus Christ. NJOYA then decided to abandon Islam and convert to Christianity in search of more power. He beards the name of Abraham. That was the introduction Christianity (Protestantism) in Bamoun Kingdom.
Somme years later, NJOYA asked to be baptised but the Pastor told him that a good Christian can only have one wife. NJOYA who was a polygamous with almost a hundred wives was embarrassed, his Notables also.
Protestant Church of Foumban (Ndambansie)
About The Current King
Sultan Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya
Sultan Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya was born on October 27, 1937 in Foumban, by His majesty NJIMOLUH SEIDOU and Noh Lantana. Between 1970 and 1974 he was Ambassador of Cameroon in Equatorial Guinea, then held the same position in Egypt. After 1980, he held several ministerial posts in Cameroon until he was enthroned after his father's death on 10 August 1992 as a Sultan and King of Bamoun.
The young prince actually starts during the first decade after independence, when he was twenty. He held the post of first secretary of state to 1960 information to 1961. Subsequently, he was Director of the Office of the Minister of Armed Forces (1961-1964), then General Commissioner for Youth, sports and education (1964-1965). From 1965-1970, Deputy Minister of Education, Culture Youth and Sports.
In 1970, fate IBRAHIM MBOMBO NJOYA lead in diplomacy where he will stay for about ten years. It is in turn appointed ambassador in Equatorial Guinea (1970-1974), then to Egypt (1974-1980).In 1980, he returned to government as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, but for a fleeting stay.
In January 1982, he was transferred to the post and telecommunications. It was during this year that President Ahidjo decided to step down in favor of his constitutional successor SE PAUL BIYA who in 1983 renewed its confidence to the young prince IBRAHIM MBOMBO NJOYA by appointing him Minister of Youth and Sports. NJI MBOUOMBOUO like Bamoun loved so well call it will gain popularity with the performance of the Indomitable Lions (National Football Team of Cameroon) during the African Cup of Nations in 1984 in Abidjan, announcing their future epic victory in the World Cup in 1990. He will manage this ministry for three good years.
1986 to 1988 he was Minister of Information and Culture and that of Territorial Administration (1988-1990). In 1990 he returned to the post of Minister of Youth and Sports, exercise control and proper management of the thing. When his father, His Majesty NJIMOLUH SEIDOU died July 27, 1992, the Prince went from NJI MBOUOMBOUO Minister Prince Sultan King of Bamoum that is the administration of a Minister, to that of an entire kingdom. For more informations about Sultan Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya click on the link below...
About Foumban Palace
The Royal Palace of Foumban in Cameroon is one of the oldest palace in the history of Africa in ancient times dating back from many centuries back. The Palace is located in the town of Foumban in the North-East of the Western Regional capital city of Bafoussam in the Republic of Cameroon.
The Royal Palace of Foumban is currently inhabited by the sultan (King), who is the 19th ruler of the Bamoun dynasty which dates back from the 14th century in history. The Palace was renovated and completed in 1917 after which the belongings of previous Sultans were arranged and kept for tourist attraction.
Foumban city is one of Cameroon’s major attractions and an important center of traditional African art. Some of the major important things found in the palace include a multitude of royal gowns, arms, musical instruments, statues, jewelry, masks and colorful bead-covered thrones carved in the shapes of the men who sat on them and seat of power for the Bamoun people.
Cameroon is noted on the African Continent of being sound and free for both travelers and tourist who will like to see new things satisfy their curiosity.
If you are planning of taking a tour to Cameroon, your ideal destination should be to see these wonderful things in the Palace of the Royals.
By Nji Oumarou NCHARE