CAMEROON SULTAN REFUSES TO MARRY 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL, OPTS FOR LONG-TIME GIRLFRIEND

The new Sultan of Bamoun in Cameroon, HRH Nabil Mbombo Njoya, has declined the offer of a 14-year-old virgin in marriage as tradition demands. According to custom, the wife of a new Sultan must come from the Njim Monchouh family to terminate traditional rites known as “Lah-Kam”. Sultan Njoya refused the young girl offered by the family, citing her minority status, and instead opted to marry his long-time girlfriend.

In a show of goodwill, Sultan Njoya has promised to sponsor the 14-year-old girl’s education from secondary school to university level. This bold move has been praised, highlighting the Sultan’s efforts to promote girls’ education and combat child marriage. The Bamoun Kingdom, with its rich history and cultural heritage, has been led by Sultan Njoya’s ancestors for centuries.

Sultan Njoya’s predecessor, Ibrahim Njoya, was a visionary leader who invented the Bamum script, established schools, and promoted education and arts. He also created a syncretic religion combining Islam, Christianity, and traditional beliefs.

Child marriage is a significant issue in Cameroon, with 30% of girls marrying before 18 and 11% before 15. The government has launched initiatives to combat this, including awareness campaigns and incentives for girls’ education.