Where conflict Once Divided, Mayor Ngwakongoh's Cup Brings Bafut Together in A Cry For Peace

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Handing Over Of Trophy And Celebrations



By Raymond Dingana

After a 10-year break caused by the Anglophone armed conflict, the Ngwakongoh Football Unity Cup has returned to Bafut, with Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence using the occasion to praise the people of Nsoh for helping to restore relative peace in the community.

The 13th edition of the competition ended on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Catholic School Field in Nsoh, bringing together youths and residents from different parts of Bafut.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Mayor of Bafut Council said the decision to relaunch the competition in Nsoh was a recognition of the community's efforts to promote peace.

“I want to thank the youths for accepting me after 10 years. This final today shows that peace in Bafut is quite significant. This 13th edition took place in Nsoh because the youths have proven to be law-abiding and are ready to continue working for peace,”

 Mayor Ngwakongoh said.


Mayor Ngwakongoh Facing The Press After The Match

The Mayor noted that sports can play an important role in rebuilding trust, bringing communities together and creating an environment where development can take place.

He called on other communities in Bafut to follow Nsoh's example, insisting that there can be no meaningful development without peace.

“Peace is the only pathway to development,”

 he said, urging residents to continue working together to maintain the calm gradually returning to the area.

D.O. Calls for Peace, Back-to-School Support

The Divisional Officer for Bafut,Fokou Njukeng Andelys also used the occasion to call for stronger cooperation among the population, traditional authorities, the administration and forces of law and order.

He thanked individuals and groups whose efforts contributed to the success of the tournament, saying their collective actions were producing results in peacebuilding.

The D.O. further called on the population to support a peaceful and effective return to school for the 2026/2027 academic year.

He also appealed to those still carrying guns in the bushes to abandon the armed struggle and return to normal life.

His message was direct: dropping weapons, he said, would serve both the interests of those involved and the wider Bafut community.

Akochebi FC Takes the Trophy

On the pitch, Akochebi FC emerged champions after defeating Aturu 3-1 on penalties.

The match ended goalless after regular playing time before Akochebi FC proved more clinical from the penalty spot.

Akochebi FC Celebrating Their Trophy 

The champions received FCFA 150,000, while the runners-up took home FCFA 100,000. The third-placed team received FCFA 65,000.

         More Than Football

Beyond the competition, the return of the Unity Cup offered residents an opportunity to reconnect after years of disruption caused by conflict.

The presence of a large crowd from different parts of Bafut also provided a strong public display of the community's desire for peace and normalcy.

First Deputy Mayor Of Bafut Awarding Medals

For many observers, the tournament was more than a football competition. It was a test of whether communities can once again gather, interact and celebrate together after years of violence.

The final may have ended on the football field, but the bigger challenge remains: sustaining the peace, rebuilding trust and creating the conditions needed for development and effective schooling in Bafut.


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