A prominent Cameroonian civil society actor, Omam Esther Moeneni mwa Barana, has issued a strong appeal for dialogue, tolerance, and national cohesion following reports of a controversial cultural decision in Bassa’a land.
The decision reportedly taken by the Supreme Council of Traditional Chiefs of the Bassa’a land involves a ban on what is commonly known as “Sunday Taro” within certain localities, a move that has sparked growing public discussion around culture, identity, and coexistence.
In her statement, Omam Esther Moeneni mwa Barana—Global Peace Champion and Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon—called for restraint and constructive engagement among all stakeholders.
“This moment calls not for confrontation, but for calm dialogue, mutual listening, and understanding,” she stated.
She emphasized her respect for traditional institutions, noting their essential role in safeguarding cultural heritage and moral values. At the same time, she reminded citizens that Cameroon’s greatest strength lies in its diversity and long-standing tradition of peaceful cultural coexistence.
“Culture is the soul of a people,” she said, stressing that preservation of identity should not come at the expense of unity or social harmony.
According to her, the situation should be seen as an opportunity for deeper national reflection on how traditions evolve in the context of modern realities such as urbanisation, migration, and intercommunity exchange.
She further encouraged inclusive dialogue involving traditional authorities, cultural stakeholders, community members, and relevant government ministries to better understand the motivations behind such decisions and explore peaceful solutions.
Key areas she highlighted include the preservation of indigenous cultural heritage, education of younger generations on cultural values, and respect for diverse food traditions across communities.
Omam Esther Moeneni mwa Barana concluded her message with a call for unity and wisdom in addressing cultural differences.
“Through respectful engagement, common ground can always be found—ways that honor tradition while preserving peace, dignity, and mutual respect,” she said.
As discussions continue, her intervention adds a civil society voice urging calm reflection over confrontation, as Cameroon navigates the delicate balance between cultural identity and national cohesion.
