THE MBARTOUA KING
Bertoua, the best place to be
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Mbartoua King
King Mbartoua, a man endowed with supernatural powers, stands as an emblematic figure among the Gbaya people in the town of Bertoua, which derives its name from him.
Born in the 1830s, he migrated from Sudan and the Central African Republic to settle in Bertoua in the eastern part of Cameroon.
Known as 'GOH GOH NOU' or the 'Panther of the Earth,' King Mbartoua, nicknamed due to his immense size and muscular build, always concealed his extraordinary abilities. One fateful day, while returning from a hunt, his son witnessed a herd of buffalo alarmed by an approaching tiger. Panicked, he tried to alert his father by shouting and waving. King Mbartoua reassured him, unveiling his supernatural powers. A staunch opponent of German expansion into East Cameroon, he sought refuge in a cave in the village of Gounté, located 20 km from Bertoua, following accusations of Captain Hans' assassination.
Despite several unsuccessful attempts by the German army to capture him, the colonists resorted to threatening the life of King Mbartoua's elder son, Ndiba, unless he appeared.
The King finally emerged, wearing a mystical hat and gray garments that deflected bullets fired at him. Forced to remove his protective charms, he sacrificed himself to save his son Ndiba, who later succeeded him.
Born in the 1830s, he migrated from Sudan and the Central African Republic to settle in Bertoua in the eastern part of Cameroon.
Known as 'GOH GOH NOU' or the 'Panther of the Earth,' King Mbartoua, nicknamed due to his immense size and muscular build, always concealed his extraordinary abilities. One fateful day, while returning from a hunt, his son witnessed a herd of buffalo alarmed by an approaching tiger. Panicked, he tried to alert his father by shouting and waving. King Mbartoua reassured him, unveiling his supernatural powers. A staunch opponent of German expansion into East Cameroon, he sought refuge in a cave in the village of Gounté, located 20 km from Bertoua, following accusations of Captain Hans' assassination.
Despite several unsuccessful attempts by the German army to capture him, the colonists resorted to threatening the life of King Mbartoua's elder son, Ndiba, unless he appeared.
The King finally emerged, wearing a mystical hat and gray garments that deflected bullets fired at him. Forced to remove his protective charms, he sacrificed himself to save his son Ndiba, who later succeeded him.
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT HIM
The King's Cave
This cave serves as a remarkable representation of the tangible and intangible cultural identity of the Gbaya people, offering a captivating glimpse into the extraordinary journey of the great King Mbartoua. His Herculean strength and supernatural abilities set him apart, but it was his fearless resistance to invaders, notably the Germans, and his selfless sacrifice for the protection of his people's land and family that truly distinguished him.
As proud descendants of the Gbaya, we hold this valiant man in high regard. The King Mbartoua Cave, once a fortress, endures as a site of reflection and pilgrimage for Gbaya sons and daughters. Here, supplicants seek blessings on spiritual, political, and familial fronts, expressing their gratitude with offerings.
HE IS SO IMPORTANT BECAUSE
His fierce opposition to the invaders
Distinguished from all other Gbaya men, King Mbertoua earned his prominence through resolute resistance against invaders, notably the Germans. His unwavering commitment to protecting his people's land and family, exemplified by sacrificing his life for his son, leaves an indelible mark.
As Gbaya individuals, we take pride in being the descendants of this courageous and noble man.
As Gbaya individuals, we take pride in being the descendants of this courageous and noble man.
SPECIAL TIPS
This enigmatic place, where beautiful flowers bloom throughout the year, is still filled with the spirit of the King. Notably, this cave has earned a well-deserved place in Cameroon's tourist and cultural heritage.
For foreign visitors, it is essential to approach the grotto of King Mbartoua with respect. It is advisable to be accompanied by an initiate, ensuring an understanding of the site's sacred nature. Carrying a token of respect is also a prudent practice to avoid unsettling the spirits.
