Mbelenka is a mini town in M’muock (Fosimondi) Kingdom.

Over years, Mbelenka has grown to become a mini town like Fontem, Santa and Batibo in Cameroon thanks to the economic activities in M’muock and the neighboring villages. The origin of this mini town can be traced back to the colonial period. Historically before the development of Mbelenka trade center in M’muock (Fosimondi), the M’muock people trekked to long distance places like Mamfe where they then proceeded to Nigeria (Onitsha) to buy articles and sell some to them as well. Others trekked to Bakebe from where they boarded vehicles for kumba. Some trekked as far as Nkongsamba to sell kernels. However, as development approaches, the trekking distance was reduced as motorable roads were opened. Nearer motor terminals included Upper Bayang, Batibo, Bafou, Bangang. Because of difficulties in movement, some people left M’muock (Fosimondi) and settled in areas where assess to motorable roads was easy including long distance places like Nkongsamba, Kumba, Mamfe, and nearby places like Dschang, Bafou, Fongo-Tongo and Bangang. M’muock people used the British Pennies (Kappa), half pence, shilling and pounds. This was later replaced by francs following the unification of Southern Cameroons with The Republic of Cameroon (Former French Cameroon) on 1st October, 1961 after the plebiscite of 11th February, 1961 during which Southern Cameroons voted to join The Republic of Cameroon. The two then came together to forme The Federal Republic of Cameroon with two states of West Cameron (Former Southern Cameroons) and East Cameroon (Former French Cameroon that got independence on 1st January, 1960).

As stated above, trading in those days involved trekking to long distance like Dschang and Nkongsamba as well as short distance place like Bafou, Fongo-Tongo to sell and buy. This entails crossing a custom’s border post around Femme M’muock. These traders were constantly harassed by the French Cameroon custom officers to pay custom duties. To maximize their profits, the merchants often did everything possible to bypass the customs officers. Such efforts often resulted in confrontations and Scuffles. Late HRH Ndi Fozeshung Samson Londoh, a M’muock tycoon in an interview with Mr Tianguam Rosetang in 2014 narrated his experience with the French Custom Officers in Femme M’muock. “It was a bitter experience, we all got up as early as 4am to cross the border before they come and wait till 11pm to cross back when they had gone but some times they hide to catch us and confrontation starts”.

Mbelenka market was the first market to open in M’muock (Fosimondi) around 1958 following the initiative of Foushung, the quarter head of Atalai who invited friends from the neighboring villages of Bafou, Fongo – Tongo and Bangang for a feast in his palace during which they shared drinks and ate. At the end, he gave them palm oil. This feasting became so regular that his compound became mba-lekak (a feasting compound). Within this period, items were exchanged between friends and then buying set in. This was the origin of the Mbelenka market which is now a popular settlement and M’muock commercial centre.

Since then, Mbelenka has developed to become the second largest mini town in Lebialem Division after Fontem which is the administrative headquarters of the Division. Mbelenka serves not only as the commercial centre for the M’muock people but as well as the neighboring villages like Bamumbu, M’muockmbie, Bangang, Fongo-Tongo, Bafou, etc.

Presently in Mbelenka we have diverse business including, large provision and cosmetic businesses, building businesses, pharmacy, off-license, night clubs, motorcycle transportation business, barbing saloon, health centre, both secondary and primary schools, agro-business, micro-finance business, etc.

However, this mini town (Mbelenka) rely on Dschang for general supply but some traders still go to long distance places like Douala and Bafoussam to buy goods and sell in this mini town.

Sources:
-Pa kwencha Aloys (2018). Discovering the People of M’muock (Fosimondi).
-Late HRH Fozeshung Samson London (2014). Interview in Yaounde: Development of Trading in M’muock (Fosimondi) by Mr Tianguam Rosetang.