Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
The colloquium on youth peace and security that took place at the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC), focused on the finalisation and implementation of the Cameroon National Action Plan on Youth Peace and Security. The process was initiated in 2016, and the Yaounde colloquium was to analyse steps taken so far to enhance youth participation in peace building,
“We were here to enrich a study carried out so far by consultants,” says Fadimatou Iyawa, president of the Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC). According to the CNYC scribe, the youths needed to be part of the process reasons for their effective participation in the colloquium.
“The plan truly concerns the youths because they are both actors and victims of conflicts and insecurity,” Jean Emmanuel Pondi, Lead consultant of the initiative said.
“Addressing issues of youth peace and security through a participatory approach is best in getting strategic and sustainable solutions,” says Tatiana Lobe, Country Representative of Search for Common Ground.
Over 300 participants, including young peace builders, government officials, members of parliament, religious and traditional authorities, students, development partners, and members of the national commission and technical committee on Youth Peace and Security attended the event that held from November 20th – 23rd, 2024.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC) and the Cameroon National Youth Council (CNYC) in partnership with civil society organization, Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC) hosted the Colloquium in collaboration with Search for Common Ground Cameroon, as part of the Young Cameroon project with the support of the European Union, UNFPA Cameroon, and the UNFPA Regional Office for West and Central Africa.
Dr. NEBA Ridley NGWA, Secretary General of IRIC told reporters that the idea is for Cameroon to reinforce and align its national priorities to comply with UN objectives.
For 3 days, the colloquium provided an inclusive platform for fostering dialogue, strengthening political commitment, collaboration and feedback, and reinforcing multi-sectorial engagement.
“The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education will support all actions taken in searching for solutions to issues related to youth, peace and security,” says Benga Zachee Robert Theophile, Secretary General of MINJEC.
The CNYC will provide its platforms to be used in further collecting data on developing the plan towards implementation.
According to Local Youth Corner, the colloquium marks a crucial step in advancing Cameroon’s YPS agenda, for it is a call to action for all stakeholders—from policymakers to grassroots youth leaders to collaborate, share insights, and forge a path toward peace, security, and meaningful youth participation. It was “a ground-breaking effort to bolster youth participation in peace and security”.
