For role in preservation of life, wellbeing: GDA, partners extol indigenous midwives in Bagyeli communities.

Attended by representatives of some ten indigenous Bagyeli communities from Akom II and Nyété, the event was in commemoration of the 32nd edition of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. 

It was graced by administrative, municipal and security authorities as well as officials of ICM construction company, charged with the construction of the Kribi-Ebolowa Road.

The gathering served as an opportunity for the indigenous communities to present their key concerns to authorities while celebrating the invaluable role of indigenous midwives in preserving life and wellbeing. 

The people cited amongst others, growing insecurity of indigenous land tenure due to encroachment by Bantu neighbours, limited access to civil status documents, the need for fair relocation and compensation for road project impacts, sustainable livelihood support, and improve access to healthcare. 

It was also marked by civil society organisations’ call for the adoption of a national law recognising and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples in Cameroon.

In response to the concerns raised, the authorities committed to addressing the different challenges especially by ensuring the protection of Bagyeli land rights during relocation processes, supporting free healthcare services for some pregnant indigenous women, and working closely with the indigenous midwives. 

The authorities equally encouraged the community members to strengthen self-reliance, engage in productive economic activities, and reduce alcohol abuse, which continue to have significant social and economic consequences.

During the ceremony, the members of the indigenous communities offered a glimpse into the richness of Bagyeli traditions and their deep connection to nature, strengthening community resilience, and ensuring that the wisdom is passed on to future generations.

They displayed traditional crafts and pharmacopoeia, including hunting tools, baskets, medicinal plants, and other cultural items. 

Partial view of members of indigenous Bagyeli communities during celebration

Enter GDA official 

According to GDA Community and Environmental Rights Advocate, Ekane Nkwelle, who represented the GDA Coordinator, indigenous peoples in Cameroon, notably the Bagyeli, Baka, Bedzang and Mbororo communities, have contributed enormously to the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of natural resources. 

He explained that their traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, wildlife, climate patterns and ecosystem management represents a valuable contribution to national development and environmental conservation. 

He, however, said many indigenous communities continue to experience uncertainty over their ancestral lands, limited access to quality education and healthcare, inadequate political representation and persistent social discrimination.

The GDA Coordinator representative re-echoed that the recognition of indigenous peoples cannot stop at acknowledging their existence but must extend to protecting their collective rights. 

He emphasised that among these rights, none is more fundamental than the right to their ancestral lands, forests and natural resources.

“Land, for indigenous communities, is not merely an economic asset. It is identity, history, spirituality and survival. Without secure access to forests, indigenous midwives cannot access medicinal plants that have supported maternal and child health for generations,” Ekane said.

He also argued that without forests, hunters, gatherers and traditional healers will lose the knowledge that has sustained their communities for centuries. He said conservation efforts that exclude indigenous peoples often fail because they ignore those who know these ecosystems best. 

“Our collective responsibility”

Ekane reminded those present of their collective responsibility to ensure that the “living libraries” continue to educate future generations.

“This responsibility belongs to all of us. Indigenous communities must continue to preserve and transmit their languages, cultural practices and traditional governance systems to younger generations,” he added. 

It is worth mentioning that prior to that event, elders, women, youth, and children from the participating communities staged a storytelling and cultural exchange evening. 

The soiree was part of oral traditions of passing from one generation unto another as elders shared stories about their history, identity, and relationship with the forest. 

About 15 indigenous midwives also came together to exchange experiences on childbirth, discussing traditional practices, medicinal herbs and plants, and the songs that have accompanied safe deliveries for generations.  

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3878 of Friday August 14, 2026