Mbengwi, Momo Division – Over 85% of residents in the newly designated Mbengwi-Teghenibi area have expressed support for the creation of a third-class fondom, saying it will bring administration and development services closer to their community.
The positive reception was evident during community gatherings held on 22 May 2026, where residents from Teghenibi and surrounding neighborhoods described the move as a long-overdue step to address gaps in local governance, access to public services, and recognition of their cultural identity.
Speaking on behalf of residents supporting the decision, local representatives said the creation of Mbengwi-Teghenibi provides an opportunity for more inclusive traditional leadership.
“The Teghenibi family is one of the seven founding families of historic Mbengwi. For years, our people have had to travel long distances to access administrative and traditional services. This new structure allows us to manage our affairs more effectively while remaining part of the broader Meta community,” a spokesperson for the Mbengwi-Teghenibi Cultural and Development Association said.
Residents who participated in the 20 May National Day celebrations under the association’s banner said their participation reflected support for the prefectoral order and a desire to work within the official framework to advance community development.
Supporters argue that establishing a third-class fondom will improve coordination on infrastructure, education, and agricultural projects in the area. They also note that having a local traditional authority will make it easier to engage with government programs and NGOs operating in Momo Division.
“The goal is not division, but service delivery. We want our youth to have faster access to administrative documents, our farmers to engage directly with agricultural extension officers, and our cultural practices to be preserved through a recognized structure,” one community elder stated.
While acknowledging that some members of the broader Mbengwi and Ku communities have raised concerns about the process, supporters of the new fondom say they remain open to dialogue.
“We are all Meta people. Our position is that every community should be heard, but we also believe that the creation of Mbengwi-Teghenibi does not erase the shared history and relationships we have built over nine generations of Fons,” a local youth leader said.
The group appealed to administrative authorities and traditional councils to facilitate consultations that allow all stakeholders to share their views and ensure the transition supports peace and unity in Momo Division.
Prefectoral Order No. 49/2025/PO/DO/SP, signed on 23 December 2025, created the Mbengwi-Teghenibi third-class fondom within Mbengwi Subdivision. The order became public in May 2026.
Supporters maintain that the creation aligns with Cameroon’s decentralization policy, which aims to bring governance closer to the people and improve local participation in decision-making. They say they will continue to work with the SDO of Momo Division and other authorities to ensure the new fondom contributes to stability and development in the region.