This week, King Nabil Mbombo Njoya, the African king and leader of the Bamum people from the western region of Cameroon, made a significant statement during his visit to the Ethnological Museum in Berlin. He sat on the throne of his ancestors, symbolizing both a moment of celebration for the Cameroonians present and the African people’s desire to reclaim treasures and monuments taken by Europeans during the colonial era.
On Sunday (1st), King Njoya, accompanied by the Cameroonian ambassador to Germany and his entourage, received an invitation to visit the Berlin Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from various African, Asian, and Latin American cultures. In preparation for the king’s visit, the museum had arranged a contemporary throne for the Bamum people alongside the original seat, which had been taken by the Germans in 1908. However, upon entering the room, the king disregarded the prepared piece and sat on the historic throne instead.
This act by the current king represents an attempt to reclaim the throne that originally belonged to his great-grandfather, the former leader Ibrahim Njoya. In an interview with National Geographic, King Nabil expressed the significance of this moment for himself and his people, stating, “I see myself and that throne. I see many Bamum people around me. And I see, beside me, the director of the Berlin Museum shaking my hand, and both of us saying, ‘We did it! We achieved this not for ourselves, but for our children.'”
The Cameroonian embassy also celebrated the king’s gesture, stating, “King Nabil Njoya sat on the throne to the satisfaction of the entire Bamum community and Cameroonians.”
Understanding the history of the Bamum people provides further context to the significance of this act. According to Professor Flávio Muniz, a master’s degree holder in Social History, the Bamum ethnic nation emerged in the western region of Cameroon in the mid-14th century. Their development mainly occurred in areas near rivers, which contributed to their agricultural expertise as a distinguishing characteristic.
The region they settled in played a vital role in shaping Bamum culture, with a strong focus on the land. The original throne itself exemplifies this characteristic, as it is a wooden seat adorned with images symbolizing fertility and leadership.
The Bamum Kingdom also stood out for its complex governmental organization compared to other kingdoms of the time. The monarchy held central power, with the king being inherited within the ruling family, creating a dynasty. However, the Bamum people also had a group of advisors who influenced local politics, and diplomacy and trade were significant factors in the nation’s constitution.
In addition to their agricultural prowess, the Bamum people excelled in iron mining and the production of weapons using this element. Advanced equipment was employed by the government to strengthen their army in territorial disputes with neighboring kingdoms.
During the height of the Bamum Kingdom, King Ibrahim Njoya, the great-grandfather of the current king, reigned from 1887 until his death in exile following French colonization in 1933. King Ibrahim was known for his peaceful nature and charismatic leadership, deeply loved by his people. He was also recognized as an intellectual who created a religion inspired by local beliefs, Islam, and Christianity. His principles and religious foundation were documented in a book called the “Bible of the King.”
By reflecting on the past and understanding the history of the Bamum people, King Nabil’s act carries even more significance, aligning with the philosophy of Herodotus that emphasizes the importance of comprehending the past to comprehend the present and envision the future.
To strengthen the Bamum culture, King Ibrahim also developed a writing system based on the Shü-mom language, consisting of 80 characters.
According to Flávio, in 1898, King Ibrahim established a school with the aim of educating the people. “Initially, the education began with the princes and nobles, and soon after, formal classes were introduced for students of both genders.”
The professor emphasizes Ibrahim’s commitment to educating the people, particularly focusing on women. During that time, education was generally accessible only to the wealthy and men.
In addition to founding schools, the king implemented a literacy program and constructed over 20 educational institutions across the kingdom, serving approximately 300 students.
These schools also offered vocational training, including medical education in the language of the people.
Ibrahim Njoya was also a distinguished writer, having authored more than 15 books, encompassing novels, short stories, and medicinal guides.
Professor Flávio Muniz highlights Ibrahim’s belief that the Bamum people “could become strong, independent, and free through education.”
Ibrahim’s perspective resonates with that of Nelson Mandela, who stated that education is the most powerful tool for creating a better world and a society characterized by freedom.
Flávio Muniz, a professor and holder of a master’s degree in Social History, shares these insights.
The relationship between the Kingdom of Bamum and Germany
Two years before Ibrahim ascended to the throne, German settlers arrived in Bamum territory towards the end of the 19th century, following the Berlin Conference of 1885, which partitioned Africa into various territories. The European colonizers drew colonial boundaries driven by trade interests, disregarding the territorial boundaries of kingdoms, cultures, and ethnicities.
Seeking to avoid confrontation with the Europeans, the already prominent Bamum figure, Njoya, chose not to resist the invasion.
Valuing diplomatic relations with the Germans, the king sought to cultivate friendship and even alliance. Ibrahim gained recognition for engaging in gift exchanges with the German government, serving as a demonstration of goodwill and collaborative efforts.
In 1908, on the occasion of German Kaiser William II’s 50th anniversary, King Ibrahim received advice to present a gift that would underscore the significance of the alliance with Germany. In response, he commissioned the construction of a replica of the Bamum throne, which symbolized the enduring relationship between the two nations.
The Kingdom of Bamum coexists with the state of Cameroon, being subject to the country’s constitutions. Over time, the kingdom has naturally experienced a significant reduction in its structure,” explains Flávio.
Despite the diminished power, King Nabil Njoya continues to command great prestige and influence among the Bamum people.
Nabil still maintains his position as king, and his subjects hold him in high regard. He represents much more than a political figure; he embodies a spiritual presence, connected to his ancestral heritage, the preservation of culture, and the strength of the people.
Flávio Muniz, professor and master’s degree holder in Social History.
The significance of reclaiming the throne
Currently, there is a process underway in Germany and other European countries to acknowledge the harm caused in Africa.
“Africa was plundered by the Europeans; they initiated a cruel process of rupture on the African continent, starting with slavery and then colonization. They bear responsibility for this,” emphasizes the master’s degree holder in Social History.
In December 2022, the German government returned more than 20 objects that were taken from Nigeria during colonization back to the African country. However, according to the professor, the return of the throne to Bamum may take a longer time.
Although there is no expectation of the throne being returned to the kingdom, Flávio emphasizes the importance of Nabil Njoya’s act of sitting on his rightful throne.
The visit of the King of Bamum to Germany is not merely symbolic; it holds significant historical meaning, it represents a reunion.”
