An exhibition held at the Reunification Monument in Yaounde on February 23, 2016. 

The history of slavery and Slave Trade in Cameroon still rings a bell in the minds of many. In order to bring back memories of such an inhumane practice, an exhibition titled “Remembering the History of Slavery and Slave Trade in Cameroon,” held at the Reunification Monument in Yaounde on February 23, 2016.

Organised by the Ministry of Arts and Culture in collaboration with the United States Embassy and the charity, “Route des Chefferies,” the event brought together cabinet ministers, top officials of the Centre Region, representatives of the diplomatic corps and other guests.     

Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Arts and Culture, Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, said the government’s policy to restore the historic site of Bimbia in the South West Region, which has become a national heritage, is aligned with the project undertaken by the US Embassy. The exhibition was an opportunity for Cameroonians to view paintings, pictures and works of art depicting the Slave Trade and slavery in Cameroon, and also pay homage to those who died in slavery.

The major attractions at the exhibition were pictures of the historical Bimbia Slave Village. Some exhibitions portrayed slaves and their masters, the feet of slaves in chains and also slaves that were ready for sale. On one of the paintings, it was written, “Bimbia Slave for sale,” on another, it was written on the back of a slave, “To be sold, Charleston, July 24^th 1769 on Thursday of August next of ninety four Negroes, consisting of thirty-nine men, fifteen boys, and sixteen girls, just arrived in the Brigantine. Dembia Francis Bare Mafter from Bimbia in Cameroons.”

In another stand, candles were lit in memory of slaves. The author, Jean David Nkot, said it was to pay homage to those who died, even though they are not known. According to the American Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Michael Hoza, US support for the preservation of the Bimbia site is an effort at contributing to the sustainable conservation of historical values.

Bimbia, located on the south-west coast of Cameron, has become a historical site of memory linked to Slave Trade and slavery. Due to its cultural and historical importance, the Cameroon government classified Bimbia-Dikolo as a National Heritage Site in 2013. Managed by the US Department, the Ambassador’s Fund for the Preservation and Restoration of the Historic and Heritage Site of Bimbia provides direct grant support for the preservation of cultural sites, objects declared of cultural interest, collections as well as forms of traditional and cultural expressions in eligible countries around the world.