Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
The calm campus of Biaka University Institute in Buea buzzed with hope and determination as over 200 participants, most of them young leaders gathered from October 16 to 18 for the Regional Symposium on Youth Participation in the Peace Process in Cameroon.
Over three days, the symposium became a melting pot of ideas, courage, and collaboration, uniting youth, policymakers, and peacebuilding stakeholders around a single goal: empowering young Cameroonians to drive the country’s peace agenda.
From inspiring speeches to heartfelt reflections, the event captured the resilience of a generation determined to turn conflict into cooperation. Dr. Francisca Hongla Biaka, Vice Chancellor of Biaka University Institute, opened the gathering with a call for unity and persistence in peace efforts.
Mr. Achaleke Christian Leke, Executive Director of Local Youth Corner, summed up the purpose succinctly:
“The idea was to bring young people from the 13 divisions of the North West and South West regions, give them a platform to share what they have been doing, and also an opportunity for them to learn and connect among themselves.”
Messages of support poured in from international partners, including Dr. Shelly Whiteman, Executive Director of the Dallaire Institute, and Mrs. Marie-Claude Harvey, Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon. Their encouragement echoed through a symposium that blended reflection with action.
Throughout the sessions, participants exchanged stories of courage and innovation in peacebuilding. One youth participant reminded peers that,
“Oftentimes conflict is born out of misunderstanding. When you truly listen to others, you understand them better, and that understanding builds peace.”
Adding to that, Ngufack Ntemgwa from LOYOC offered a powerful metaphor:
“Be a mirror — let your actions and your thoughts be reflective, and let others be inspired to copy from you, for you cannot give what you don’t have.”
Beyond the discussions, an Agricultural Exhibition showcased success stories from young former combatants in the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program. It was a striking demonstration of how agriculture can rebuild both lives and communities.
During the symposium, delegates agreed on key strategies to sustain momentum: strengthening partnerships, aligning youth efforts with national peace processes, and grounding all interventions in evidence-based approaches.
The event concluded with the drafting of a Youth Peacebuilding Charter, capturing the shared vision and actionable commitments of participants.
When the final words were spoken and applause filled the hall, one message stood tall above all others: peace is not given, it is built, and the builders are young.
