Int'l day for remembrance of slave trade & abolition: Experts drum need to develop, preserve Bimbia slave trade site.

This was during the solemn commemoration of the 2025 edition of the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

The event, hosted by Gilgal Tours at the Gilgal Towers Hotel in Limbe, from Friday August 22 to Saturday August 23, 2025, brought together experts from diverse fields; including history, museum studies, tourism and hospitality, culture, and arts. 

Experts underscored the urgent need for the preservation and development of the Bimbia slave trade site. It is one of the largest historic points where enslaved Cameroonians were sold to Europeans.

The two-day gathering convened local and international scholars, civil society members, elected officials, traditional leaders, and religious representatives. Participants engaged deeply in discussions about the roles different actors played in the slave trade and how confronting the painful legacy can help shape a more conscious and connected future. Thematic sessions and dialogues explored the historical significance of Bimbia, the slave routes, and the broader impact of abolition treaties.

In his opening remarks, Etta Ojong Ivan, Deputy Director of the National Museum, representing the Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mkpatt, described the slave trade and slavery as long-standing global traumas, whose negative effects still persists. 

He highlighted the importance of memory and healing associated with the day, which commemorates the 1791 slave revolt in Saint-Domingue that sparked efforts towards abolition.

The programme included scholarly presentations, a book launch, art and photography exhibitions, theatrical performances, and a visit to the Bimbia site itself. 

The event also highlighted connections with the diaspora, featuring voices from the African diaspora in the United States and the Caribbean in a dedicated Diaspora Day dialogue and cultural showcases.

This year’s theme: “Memory, Healing, and Reconnection”, resonates strongly with global efforts to acknowledge past injustices and honour the dignity of those affected. 

The event was a mix of cultural and academic celebration, showcasing the role of collective remembrance as a tool for education, reconciliation, and cultural rejuvenation.

Limbe City Mayor, Paul Efome Ngale, said Limbe was honoured to host such a programme where most journeys to nowhere started. 

He said the development of the slave trade village is the story of “all our ancestors who suffered from slavery and bonds every Cameroonian”. He saluted the organisers for such an initiative to put Bimbia and Limbe on the global map. 

Experts frown at absence of Bimbia denizens

Venerated history professors, Victor Julius Ngoh and ESD Fomin, expressed their frustration over the absence of residents, elite, and traditional rulers for such an event that gives voice to the history of the slave trade in Cameroon, and particularly Bimbia.

Prof ESD Fomin, a historian and researcher on the transatlantic slave trade, indicated that the structures at the Bimbia slave trade site were at risk of destruction from acid rain, environmental conditions, and trees growing inside, which can destroy the structures. In this light, he highlighted the urgency for the site to be rehabilitated and protected.

In response, Rev Dr Ekoka Molindo of Mondoli village in the Bimbia area, promised to work with all stakeholders to ensure the valourisation of the slave trade site to protect its legacy for posterity.

Eric Igwacho reiterates readiness to work with Bimbia Chiefs

The President and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Gilgal Tours, Eric Igwacho, reiterated his commitment to work with the traditional rulers and all the stakeholders of Bimbia, to ensure the realisation of the development and valourisation of the Bimbia slave trade centre. 

Speaking to the press, he said the main goal of organising such an event in Limbe was to raise awareness on the horror of the transatlantic slave trade and its negative impacts. 

“We want to make something good out of the tragedy by turning it into a treasure, because Bimbia was one of the top three in terms of the volume of slaves who went through. So, people will know that thousands of people went through this horrific event, and we can heal from it and move forward,” Igwacho noted. 

He said he believes all stakeholders wanted to develop the site, but there is just a difference in ideologies on how to approach the project. 

“There may be a difference in approach, but it should not stop the acquisition and transformation of something that we know will help benefit the people of Bimbia and create jobs and opportunities for young people,” he stated. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3544 of Monday August 25, 2025