The Sultan King of Bamoun , Mouhammad-Nabil Mforifum Mbombo Njoya, has undertaken a two-week visit to the US, at the invitation of the local Bamoun community. The tour, which began on August 31, 2024, proved to be a true diplomatic and cultural success.
Upon his arrival at Washington Dulles International Airport, the monarch was received with full honors. His busy schedule began with a meeting with the leaders of the Bamoun community and dignitaries residing in the United States, followed by an ecumenical prayer for peace in Cameroon, gathering nearly 2,000 people.
The Sultan made numerous official and private visits, including:
– A visit to the Loving Pets Hospital in Baltimore, owned by Dr. Salifou Ngouyamsa, a prominent member of the Bamoun community.
– A meeting with Ms. Vera Songwe, former head of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
– An official visit to the Cameroonian Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Henri Etoudi Essomba.
The Bamoun culture was highlighted during an evening organized by the Maryland community. The Sultan also surprised a group of Bamoun women preparing for the “Carnaval de la femme Bamoun” for the upcoming Nguon.
The institutional aspect of the visit included stops at several prestigious establishments:
– The Smithsonian Museum
– George Washington University
– The Library of Congress, where books on the Bamoun people were displayed.
During the African Diaspora Day, celebrated on September 9 at the Capitol, His Majesty received an honorary award for his commitment to the African diaspora. Another highlight was the ceremony at St. John’s University in New York, his alma mater, where he was honored for his contributions to culture and education.
The Nguon Foundation , represented by its executive director Dr. Fatimatou Poumié Kouotou, emphasized the importance of this visit for the promotion of the Bamoun cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO.
This tour demonstrates the Sultan King of Bamoun’s commitment to promoting the cultural values and unity of his people on an international scale, while strengthening the diplomatic ties between Cameroon and the United States.
