CAMEROON/ BESUA 2021: An unprecedented event

"Besua" is a traditional competition of the city of Douala held 8 to 10 October 2021, at the Parc des Princes in Bali. Through this event, the Urban Community of Douala advocates respect for tradition, fair play and living together.

This is the message conveyed throughout the traditional competition. It was chaired by Dr. Jeremie Solle Solle, personal representative of the Mayor of Douala, Dr. Roger Mbassa Ndine.

They are about 50 who participated in this traditional event. A fight like we have never seen elsewhere, similar to these Senegalese fights. For three days, the arena of the Parc des Princes de Bali, a mythical place in Canton Bell, Douala 1st District, was the HQ of "Besua", an Afro-traditional wrestling competition, according to the Sawa culture.

The Besua, more than a wrestling competition, very rich

First of all, it should be noted that "Besua" is a traditional wrestling competition well known to the Sawa people. It takes place in a sandy arena in the open air. For the first edition, several events were scheduled such as arm wrestling, traditional animations, tap dancing, tug of war, sack race etc. ....

There was no better way to learn, there was no better way to learn because it is an event with an enormous cultural wealth. It would be good for everyone to enjoy it. Indeed, we never stop learning every day because knowledge never ends. During three days of competition, the "Besua" have highlighted the spirit of fair play magnified. A vision of the Urban Community of Douala (CUD) in favor of the promotion of inter-community social policies of the city of Douala in which the competition is valid.

A satisfactory first edition

Having attended the final of this Sunday, October 10, 2021, Dr. Jeremie Solle Solle said Jérémie Solle Solle said about the competition: "The city of Douala wants to be conservative of traditional values, the symbol of national integration beyond our cultural differences of opinion, while keeping the landmarks of the history of the Sawa people. By highlighting the Bessua, it is also an expression of the living forces that coexist in the city of Douala, whose strength far from being a means to subjugate its opposite, but rather their meetings to offer to the city its most beautiful face through a sport that remains a game advocating fair play, living together, promotion of culture and preservation of urban cohesion through new concepts, "he said.

Indeed, the final of the "besua" held on October 10 saw the crowd come massively to participate in the big party. They were treated to 10 fights: 5 women's fights and 5 men's fights. For the women, the categories that crossed swords included competitors weighing 55kg, 60kg, 65kg, 70kg and 80kg. For the men, participants had to be in the weight categories of 65kg, 75kg, 80kg, 100kg and 125kg. After some hard-fought matches, the prize for "Best female wrestler" was awarded to Leutche Yongua, in the 55kg category, in the women's category. The "Best Wrestler" award went to Bassong Arnorld, a 125 kg colossus, who is already being touted as the future Besua champion of Ngondo 2021. The title of "Best Fair Play Team" of this first edition will go to the team of Canton Bele-Bele (Bonaberi).

At the end of this final, Dr. Solle Solle gives appointment next year, in the second edition, with improvements certainly.

Source: www.camer.be