The announced ban on "Sunday Taro" in the Bassa area has sparked considerable controversy, with increasing questions about the authenticity of the document behind this decision. Henry-Paul Diabaté Manden, a Cameroonian media figure, has publicly challenged the veracity of this document, fearing that this affair could undermine social cohesion, particularly in the current context.
Diabaté Manden emphasizes that the dissemination of this ban has generated unnecessary community tensions, diverting attention from the real issues of promoting Cameroonian gastronomy. He highlights several inconsistencies that, according to him, discredit the text attributed to the "Supreme Council of Traditional Chiefs of the Bassa of Mbok Liaa". One of the main objections is that this structure would not exist under this name. In addition, he notes a spelling error in the name of the Basa'a tribe, altered to "Bassa," which suggests a lack of familiarity with the local culture.
Another point raised is the lack of consultation with traditional chiefs from Eséka, although the document claims to have been adopted following a meeting in that locality on May 4, 2026. This lack of participation by local authorities reinforces doubts about the legitimacy of the decision.
Faced with these troubling elements, Henry-Paul Diabaté Manden calls on the competent authorities to identify the authors of this controversial document. He also suggests that the National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (ANTIC) should play an active role in combating the dissemination of online content likely to fuel community tensions. He stresses the importance for ANTIC to track down and exclude from the web those who threaten national social cohesion.
The controversy surrounding the ban on "Sunday Taro" highlights the challenges related to preserving social cohesion in a context of crisis. While some applaud an initiative aimed at defending cultural heritage, others worry about the risks of exclusion and ethnic tensions. Esther Omam, a peace activist, calls for dialogue and mutual understanding, stressing that Cameroon's strength lies in its diversity.
