Fulanis deny being marginalised

Some 74 Ardos or traditional community leaders of the Mbororo/Fulani people have stressed their uniqueness, dignity, integrity and emerging characteristics in sharp contrast to what they claim is the false picture given them as marginalized, indigenous and poor people. They say such description by some individuals and groups was “cosmetic, greedy, egocentric and ill-fated by those who find pleasure in misrepresenting them, their wishes and feelings viz-a-viz the State and development partners.”

Rising from a conference in Ndawara, Boyo Division of the North West Region, on December 18-19, 2015, the Ardos condemned what they qualified as “misleading qualifications in view of misinforming the public, development partners, the government and international community that Mbororo/Fulanis are underprivileged, marginalized and a minority group.” Addressing the conference, the President of the Ardos Union, Alhadji Juli Bobo, acknowledged that Mbororo/Fulani people could be considered as conservative, but it does not make them marginalized per se.

The Ardos argued against marginalization because Mbororo/Fulanis are represented at all levels of nation-building on their own merit. The conference demonstrated that the government has appointed Mbororos in high places positions in administration and defence, judiciary, teaching, the CPDM party and more. They are convinced that Mbororo/Fulanis have the same privileges and opportunities like other Cameroonians and boast 2.5 million people spread across a country with over 250 ethnic groups. They also refuse to be identified as settlers because according to the Ardos, Mbororo/Fulanis migrated to Cameroon in the 19th Century.

The Coordinator General of the conference, Abdel Aziz and the Ardos found it inconceivable that individuals or groups of people who ignore their community leaders should speak for them. They also boasted that their tribes people are economically more viable than many in Cameroon. They showcased their patron and founder of SODELCO, Alhadji Baba Ahmadou Danpullo, who is today the richest man in Francophone Africa. “The Mboro/Fulani and the Akous are proud, unique in language, tradition and culture and must not be given a beggarly picture,” they stressed. The Divisional Officer for Belo Subdivision, Nicholas Nkongho, attended the meeting, encouraging participants to resolve conflicts with grazers.