First Kesughu-Wum Festival Wraps Up in Yaoundé

The first edition of the Kesughu-Wum festival took place from July 20-22, 2023, at the Yaoundé Congress Palace in Cameroon. The event was under the patronage of the Prime Minister, head of government. During the three-day festival, people from the 17 villages in the Wum district and the Menchum department in the Northwest region came together to celebrate their culture. The festival featured reunions, exhibitions of the region's rich cultural heritage, and discussions on community development projects.

Professor Kelly Mua Kingsly, president of the festival's organizing committee, shared his thoughts on the event's outcome. He described the festival as a positive experience overall, with the goal of creating a convivial environment for exchanging and celebrating the culture of the Wum district and Menchum department. The event brought together people of all generations, with a strong mobilization of young people in traditional groups, handicraft production, and the election of Ndong Naomi Tracy Ekei as Miss Kesughu-Wum.

One of the notable aspects of the festival was the participation of traditional dance groups from all over Cameroon. The event also saw the presence of the Bororo community leader, with whom relations have not always been harmonious. This marked a significant effort towards unity and peace, as emphasized by the Prime Minister's message. The festival's program included various activities, such as language workshops, with a focus on the local Aghem language.

The Aghem language was a key focus area, with an ongoing project to promote its use and development. The community has already translated the New Testament into Aghem and developed an alphabet for learning the language. The festival provided a platform for discussing and promoting the language, as well as other aspects of the region's cultural heritage.

The event also highlighted the importance of community development projects. The festival brought together the 17 village chiefs, a rare occurrence in the history of the Wum district. The gathering provided an opportunity for discussing community challenges and seeking solutions. The organizing committee reported that despite some minor difficulties, all planned activities were carried out successfully.

The Kesughu-Wum festival demonstrated the potential for cultural events to bring people together and promote community development. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region and provided a platform for discussing important issues. The organizing committee's efforts to promote unity and peace were notable, with the participation of various cultural groups and community leaders.

As the first edition of the Kesughu-Wum festival comes to a close, the organizing committee is looking forward to future events. The festival has set a precedent for cultural celebrations in Cameroon, highlighting the importance of community involvement and cultural preservation. The event's success will likely pave the way for more festivals and cultural events in the region.

Key points

• The Kesughu-Wum festival brought together people from 17 villages in Cameroon to celebrate their culture and community.