"The Bum People live as one with their host communities" -Chief Kimbi Peter, Head of the Bum community for the Southwest and Littoral Regions of Cameroon.

How did you find yourself as the Chief of the Bum Community in the Southwest and Littoral Regions and how important are you as far as the Bum Kingdom is concerned?

I was an heir to my father so when he passed on, I assumed the throne. I came on the throne in

2001 after my father's demise in the year 2000.I love my people very much and I always guide them on how to live with people.I encourage core African values such as living together and getting married. I encourage them to take their farming seriously especially those who do nothing else. I equally encourage them to have respect for community. So far its been wonderful and there is no problem.

Who are the Bum People and where do they really come from in Cameroon?

They come from the Northwest Region in the Boyo Division. Bum is a place with many Chiefs and falls within the Fonfuka Municipality close to Noni and Kimbi.

Do you have an idea of the history of the Bum people in Missellele where you are resident?

Yes I am fully informed on that because my father lived here for long and we were born here in Missellele. My father was crowned as chief of the Bum community in Southwest and the Littoral by the fon of the Bum Palace. So when my father died, I took over the throne. I have been chief now for almost thirteen years. What I have seen through time is that Bum people are proud and open to every one. They live in complete unity with the Mongo people. We are one. This was made possible by our fore fathers.

Generally what are the activities of the Bum people in Missellele?

Most of them work in the Cameroon Development Corporation CDC, while some do business. Others are involved in farming and other assorted activities.

Many are those who would like to know more about you as a person.

I was born in Missellele in the Tiko Municipality on the 16th of June 1975. I grew up here and my schooling was done here and around here. My father was a ruler and at the same time was a natural traditional healer with a great mastery of the healing qualities of natural plants. I learned the trade as I grew with him. So when he died, I inherited both the throne and the trade.Now I treat a cross section of illnesses ranging from stomach aches,poisoning, infertility in women, pile, frontal headaches, gastritis, eye and dental problems. I have patients from Douala, Bafoussam,Yaounde,France, Europe and the United States of America.

What is the nature of the relationship between the Bum people and the indigenous Mongo people?

They cohabit really well. This is because my late father and the late chief were very good friends. It has continued in the same manner between me and the present chief of Missellele HRH Mbollo Ndedi Yves Patrice. The two tribes are one here in Missellele. It is a matter of belonging to a tribe. We are simply people from Missellele.

What is your take on development initiatives in Missellele?

I greatly appreciate the efforts of the chief of Missellele and the Mayor of Tiko Council. Missellele is indeed growing. When you look at the market you notice it is one of the best in the Mongo area. It is a very big market. I pray the Chief of Missellele and the Mayor of Tiko Chief Daniel Mokondo should go ahead in the same manner.

You certainly have a message for those who will be reading you?

I call on any one with any problem within my competence to contact me and if there is any particular thing you will like to know about the Bum Community in Southwest and the Littoral you simply ask me.