Kom people

The Kom are one of the principal ethnic groups of the North-West province of Cameroon, where traditional government institutions are very important. The capital, Laikom, is the seat of the ruler, the Fon, and his advisors, the Quifon, who continue to be the most respected leaders despite the imposition of a central Cameroonian government. Vincent Yuh II is the current Fon of Kom. The Cameroonian government recognizes to some degree the authority of the Fons and local chiefs subject to them.

Kom includes most of Boyo division, including such towns as Fundong, Belo, Njinikom and Mbingo. The area can be reached from Bamenda on the so called Ring Road.

The elaborate language and rich culture of Kom are very similar to neighbouring groups, collectively known as the Tikar. The Kom language is also called Kom or Itangikom.

The geography of Kom and the North-West province is extremely mountainous, comprising mostly of grassland and farmland, with a sadly declining amount of forest. Crater lakes, cliffs and waterfalls are quite common features of the region. Nevertheless the largest montane rainforest in West Africa can be found in Kom, and it is unique in the world and contains many endemic species.