About Us

An elite is a son or daughter of Bafut, or one assimilated, who is of unquestionable character, has the interest and possesses the capacity to contribute materially, morally and intellectually to the development of Bafut. Both individual and corporate membership is permited in BELA.

The Birth of BELA
BELA was the brain child of two young Bafut Elites namely, Raymond Asombang of the then Ministry of Scientific Research in Yaounde, and the late Formanji George of the National Social Insurance Fund. Sensitisation was done in Douala through Mr. Nchotu Louis, but it did not yield fruits like it did in Yaounde. Prof. Asombang Raymond drafted a constitution which was adopted on the 18th of April 1992, which then gave birth to BELA, officially.

The Launch of BELA
BELA was then launched one year lated, on Sunday 10th of April, 1993, at the Bujong Hall in Bafut. The launch was presided by the then Governor of the Northwest Province, Mr. Bell Luc Rene. Other dignitaries present included the Fon of Bafut, Fon Abumbi II and the then Minister of Agriculture.
Founded during the political liberation of Cameroon, the association got administrative approval to operate with ease. Before this period, it was often difficult to obtain recognition and authorisation for associations such as BELA. Despite the challenges and against all odds, BELA is still standing tall since creation, thanks to the tenacity and resilience of the founding members who have masterminded its affairs from the days of infancy till date.
The Bafut Elite Association works hand in glove with the Bafut Development Manjong, contributing greatly towards the development of the Bafut Fondom.

Together Towards A Brighter Future!
Cameroon is moving towards economic emergence. Where does Bafut fit in this scheme? The answer is found within the elites, bonded together through BELA. A house is built from botto to top. Bafut is one of the significant ethnic groups that form part of the foundation stones in the nation of Cameroon.
Geographically, Bafut is Cameroon in miniature! The land of Bafut is a microcosm having almost all the physical and climatic features of the nation as a whole, and can produce all the crops and food types grown across the nation.
To bring forth the best in Bafut from the gifts of nature, we therefore need to bring together more members, willing to work towards the attainment of our common goal. BELA thrives on the following trio, for the development of Bafut and its people: The Traditional Elite, The Modern Elite and The Government.
To achieve our objectives, we must be united, as we march towards emergence. A Divisional Officer in Bafut once remarked, “Unity is a scarce commodity in Bafut.” This should not be the case, as our ancestors were united and built one of the strongest Fondoms in the grassfield which survived the vicissitudes of history and has emerged today as a First Class Fondom with as many as eight (8) Second Class Chiefdoms. The Bafut Fondom stands out.
BELA has passed through several stages to be where it is today. It is over 30 years since our creation, and we must be ready to mutate, breaking out of our old shell, and shedding our old skin to attain new accomplishments.