Ruben Um Nyobe, Portrait!

In my story of Africa, I chose BOOKS and I also chose MEN to be the vivid memories of our past. First, have a look at this poetic Introduction

Chaînes
Quelles sont lourdes, lourdes, les chaînes,
Que le Nègre met au cou du Nègre,
Pour complaire aux maîtres de l’heure. […]

Bernard Dadié

980000
[…]
980000 nous sommes
980000 affamés
brisés
abrutis
[…]
980000 Nous sommes
980000 Ouvriers
. Chômeurs
Et quelques étudiants
Qui n’ont plus droit qu’à
Une fraction de vie. […]
                                                                                                            Maxime N’Debeka.

In 1960, the word « Independence » is scanded all around Africa. The question is, how did it all come through, who are those men who made it all happen. Several names have gone through the years: Nkrumah, Lumumba, Um Nyobe, Senghor etc. In most instances, those hard workers had the opportunity to make the dream happen, to lead their countries even for a few years. The man we have chosen, though having fought at his best, was deprived this opportunity.

His name is Ruben UM NYOBE and he is from Cameroon, my home country. In his book, « Remember Ruben »mentioned in this blog, Alexandre BIYIDI (a.k.a MONGO BETI) clearly states Ruben. Born around 1913, in his native village Eog Makon, he represents the battle of  Africa vs. the colon. His aim was to get an independence in which Cameroon would be totally free from its fromer master, France. He created for this purpose a political party, Cameroon’s Peoples Union on 10th of April 1948 and  became its official president two months later on 17th of June. In 1955, the colonial administration declared the party illegal. This was the official launch of the armed struggle for freedom. The life of the MPODOL (Savior) as he was nicknamed ends on the 13th of September 1958 when he is assasinated by the French Army.

« Remember Ruben«  enables us to discover in an indirect manner, more of his daily life. He was often threatened, suffered torture and was saved only by the love of the people and his fellow companions. He was admired amongst his generation and left several followers (Ernest Ouandié, Félix- Roland Moumié) who ended just as him few years later. He gave us a hero, a model to follow. He was betrayed and therefore also remind us how human being is weak!

In 1991, he ended up being recognized as a national hero, the place he holds in our hearts and memories. Did not know about him yet? Take the chance to learn more. The Blog, African Heritage

Sources: Wikipedia, Bonaberi.com, Afrikara.com, Peuplesawa.com, Camer.be.com

What Did you think about this post? How do you feel about Ruben UM Nyobe? Any Topic?  Share your thoughts below.

XoXo,

Anna KEDI SIADE ♦