A Norwegian missionary, Pastor Endresen,retired in 1964 after 33 years in Camerounand told of his efforts to end slavery. Hereturned two years later to make a film ofconditions in the district of Rei Bouba whoseLamido (chief) considered himself the ownerof his 50,000 subjects. On the interior ofthe mud wall surrounding his palace was anaircraft in high relief. This, it was explained,was to commemorate his flight to Mecca onpilgrimage. Yes, it had been expensive, butsome of his slaves' children had been takento pay for the return journey — as humantravellers cheques in fact. Publicity givento this story by the Anti-Slavery Society ledin 1969 to the enforcement by the CamerounGovernment of abolition and to emancipationand resettlement on the land. The big haremsalone survive as remnants of slavery. One,at Rei Bouba, in 1966 held over 300 women.The harem, like other forms of slavery,was practical and benevolent in origin andintent. Tribal wars would leave many womenon the losing side without protection. It waslogical that the victorious chief should assumeresponsibility for their safety and support andenjoy whatever benefits might be entailed.When colonial rule removed the excuse forharems the chief remained a necessary elementin the maintenance of order. Customs andprivileges must be allowed to survive. Thusharems, still a status symbol, became re-stocked by those who sought favours. Someof the women undoubtedly enjoy the privilegeof their position, others do not. One, namedAzambuja, whose freedom was secured byMr. Endresen, had, at the third attempt,escaped over a twenty-foot wall nine yearsafter being kidnapped on her wedding day asa gift instead to the Lamido of Ngaoundéré.She said she would rather die than go back.Throughout the Sahara chattel slavery isendemic. Forbidden by both secular andIslamic law, it is yet accepted as traditionaland both socially and economically unavoid-able throughout much of the territory of eachof nine states. Certain tribes are in per-manent servitude to others, but all who dwellleft: 786px; top: 114.994px; font-size: 15px; font-fami

slavepopulation

Page