TALI, CAMEROON

The Baiyeembi Royal Family is Tali in the Upper Banyang Division of Manyu Division in Cameroon which provides a community atmosphere and pleasant educational environment. It provides the typical peace, serenity and pollution-free environment associated with the rural world.

Tali is situated in the forested region of the South West Region in Cameroon, a recognized biodiversity “Hotspot”. Its land is fertile and has a tropical rainforest climate. Although situated in the midst of tropical Africa, the temperature at Tali, because of its topography including four rivers, Bawoh, Ejue-Nfu, Nfi and Nfu, is mild and pleasant throughout the year. Tali shares borders with the Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary and the Upper Banyang Forest Concession. The inhabitants of Tali are hospitable and farm cash and food crops to earn a living.

The people of Tali belong to the Banyang Tribe and speak the Kenyang Language. Tali has a Traditional Council that includes membership from the following Quarters: Mpomba, Mbienjong Baiyee, Mbiendjong Egbemba, Dekang, Okooback, Tanyi Akong, Nchemba, Kembong and Tanyi Tabi.

The English Anthropologist, Malcolm Ruel, lived in Tali while he conducted research on the people of Manyu Division in Cameroon. His findings were published in a seminal book entitled “Leopards and Leaders: Constitutional Politics Among a Cross River People”. The former Governor Baiyee Arikai Tanyitiku (retired) of Cameroon’s Eastern Region is from Tali. Other prominent Cameroonians such as the late Honorable Emmanuel Tabi Egbe spent his formative years in Tali and eventually taught at Tali’s Government Primary School established in 1921. The preeminent Cameroonian educator and politician, Dr. A.D. Mengot, taught at the Tali Government Primary School. The late prominent university academic and administrator, Dr. Tanyi Mbuagbaw who authored the book “African Philosophy of Education” among other academic works was from Tali. The Tali Council has reserved six and a half square miles of land to construct African University.

Cameroon is a relatively stable African nation slightly larger than the state of California with a population of approximately seventeen million people. English and French are the official languages. Cameroon is often referred to as “Africa in Miniature” because of its diverse geographical and ethnic characteristics. Natural features include beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests, and savannas. The highest point is Mount Cameroon in the Southwest Region, the economic capital city is Douala in the Littoral Region and Yaounde is the political capital city in the Center Region.

Cameroon is well known for its diverse native musical styles and for its highly successful national football team.