Cameroon

Early Bahá’ís in Cameroon. Front (left to right): Enoch Olinga, Ali Nakhjavani. Back (left to right): Benedict Eballa, David Tanyi, and Samuel Njiki, 1954.

In 1953, the first Cameroonians became Bahá’ís. Today, there are roughly 40,000 Bahá’ís in nearly 1,800 localities around the country. Bahá’ís believe in universal education and the abolition of all prejudice, whether based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or social background. The Bahá’ís hold study circles on spiritual topics, devotional gatherings, and classes for children about personal virtue and moral education.

Women and men have been and will always be equal in the sight of God.

Participants at an International Women's Day celebration in Douala, Cameroon.

In an attempt to raise the quality of life for their fellow citizens in Cameroon, Bahá’ís have started development initiatives in various areas. One agency, Emergence—Foundation for Education and Development, focuses on the empowerment of youth. Another organization, PersPective, is currently participating in a national endeavor to combat river blindness.