The NGONDO

The Ngondo is the traditional assembly of the Duala people. It is a traditional and ritual festival that brings together the Sawa peoples of the Littoral region. The Ngondo takes place during the first week of December.

It has in fact existed since 1830, well before European missionaries arrived in Cameroon. But it is Ngando a Kwa, who died in July 1845, who is credited with founding the Ngondo. He was the king of the Akwa at the time.

The origin of this festival runs deep and deserves to be highlighted. A certain Malobè Etamè, from Pongo (north-west of Douala), was terrorizing the village on market days. When they heard about it, the chiefs of the 4 Duala clans decided to unite and avenge their sons. It is this assembly of the people that has been called the Ngondo ever since.

The Ngondo thus became the symbol of their unity, the embodiment of a united front called upon to defend the honor of the people. Far from that feeling of vengeance, the Ngondo has today become a true festival celebrating the purity of the culture of the Sawa.

Moreover, it is the senior leaders of the various cantons of the city of Douala and its metropolitan area who lead the Ngondo. It begins very early at dawn with the initiates, who practice ancestor worship by communing with the protective forces or spirits of the water of the Wouri River.

Many activities mark this festival, in particular the traditional wrestling contest, the pirogue race, the culinary arts, etc. In a word, the NGONDO is the festival that marks the cultural year in Cameroon.