A high-level delegation from the Membea–Bokwango Chiefdom, led by its Chief, HRM Albert Njie Mbonde, on March 17, 2026, paid a landmark courtesy visit to renowned legal luminary and peace crusader, Sir Dr Barrister Nico Halle, at his Award Gallery in Douala.
The visit, marked by symbolism, reflection and strong messages on peacebuilding, brought together traditional authority and civic advocacy at a time of growing concern over social cohesion both in Cameroon and globally.
During the encounter, the two leaders held extensive discussions on peace, coexistence and the urgent need to reinforce societal values. The highlight of the visit was a guided tour of Nico Halle’s Award Gallery in Bonaberi, which houses over 203 national and international honours recognising decades of commitment to peace and anti-corruption advocacy.
Describing the visit as timely, Nico Halle expressed deep concern over the state of global and local affairs. “This recognition comes at a time when the whole world appears to be turned upside down,” he said. “As a peace crusader, I am deeply troubled by what is happening globally… what has been happening in Russia and Ukraine, and more recently in the Middle East—it is devastating.”
He questioned the moral basis of global power, asking: “What is the benefit of being a powerful nation if, in the process, you destroy millions of lives? What do you gain from inflicting pain on families across the world? Absolutely nothing.”
The peace advocate also challenged international institutions, stating: “What is the United Nations Security Council doing? What is the African Union doing? What is the European Union doing? These bodies are meant to act as guardians of peace, yet the world continues to witness widespread destruction.”
Turning to the local context, Nico Halle warned against moral decline and division, stressing that “corruption… has eroded the very fabric of our nation and impoverished millions of Cameroonians,” while calling for the rejection of “hate speech and xenophobia.”
In a symbolic moment that underscored African tradition and reverence, the Membea–Bokwango delegation presented Nico Halle with a traditional walking stick—an emblem of wisdom, leadership and respect. The gesture reflected their admiration for his lifelong dedication to peace and unity.
Speaking during the visit, HRM Albert Njie Mbonde described Nico Halle as both a friend and a national asset. “I know his story, what he has done, and what he can still continue to do for our nation—especially for the youth,” he said. “Establishing this gallery was the right thing to do, to immortalise all that he has accomplished and to serve as a powerful testimony of what a great mind can achieve.”
The traditional ruler emphasised the urgency of rebuilding national values. “The peace we once enjoyed is under threat, as are unity and social cohesion… In times like these, we need role models—people who can stand as torchbearers of what we fundamentally represent as a nation.”
He noted that the visit was not merely ceremonial but a collective commitment. “I came on behalf of the Chiefdom to lend our full support and to recommit ourselves to the shared values we have built over decades,” he said, urging others to emulate such initiatives “sometimes made through great personal sacrifice for the common good.”
HRM Mbonde also used the occasion to highlight the situation in his community in Buea, which hosts numerous internally displaced persons who are displaced as a result of the Anglophone crisis. “We are doing our best to ensure they feel at home, with no distinction between the host population and those who have sought refuge with us,” he said, adding that the Chiefdom remains a model of peace. “There has never been a single gunshot linked to this crisis within Membea… It remains our responsibility to preserve the unity and harmony we cherish.”
The visit concluded with renewed calls for collective action in addressing Cameroon’s socio-political challenges and strengthening national cohesion. Both leaders underscored the need for moral leadership, community solidarity and sustained peace advocacy.
As the nation continues to grapple with internal and external pressures, the encounter between traditional authority and civic leadership in Douala stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring role of dialogue, recognition and shared values in building a more united and peaceful Cameroon.
