People
Who they are
The Widekum, whose name is also spelled Widikum, live in Cameroon’s Northwest Region, in Momo Division, east and southeast of Mbengwi and east of Batibo. They speak Meta’, which has two main varieties: Menemo, from Mbengwi, and Moghamo, from Batibo. The differences are small, and speakers understand one another. Their culture includes traditional clothing and more than a dozen dances, each with its own meaning and occasion: one may be performed at a funeral, another at a wedding. Mukonge is one of these dances.
Where they live
1
Country
112K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Cameroon Partially reached
|
100%
|
109.000 |
How they live
In 2023, the Michi Ebeng festival was held in the village of Guneku, in Mbengwi, to revive Meta culture, which had been set aside for six years because of the armed conflict in the region. Participants wore only traditional clothing, spoke only Meta’, drank palm wine from horns and gourds, and ate from wooden bowls or banana leaves. A representative of the king of Guneku said that many traditional foods had been forgotten because they were considered food for the poor. The festival ended with a mukonge dance competition featuring seven groups.
What they believe
Most Widekum follow traditional religions. There are also Christians and a Muslim minority. In Funam, a Meta village in Mbengwi, pastors from different churches organized prayers at the local king’s palace on the last Friday of every month for unity, peace and respect among residents. Before the crisis in the region worsened, the group also read through the entire Bible from beginning to end.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Meta’
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Not available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)20%
Evangelicals9%
Needs
The armed conflict in the region has affected the cultural life of the Meta people. In 2023, the organizers of the Guneku festival spoke of six years in which their culture had been left “out in the cold” because of the conflict. Peace is therefore a prayer request closely tied to the lives of the Widekum.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for peace in the Widekum communities of Mbengwi and Batibo, which have been affected by armed conflict.
Pray for the Scriptures to be taught in Meta' in a way that both Menemo and Moghamo speakers can understand well.
Pray for Widekum Christians to grow in faith and teach others.
Pray for the churches that gather for prayer in Funam, that they will work for peace and unity in the community.
Pray for the Widekum who follow traditional religions to come to know Jesus.
Pray for Widekum
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar