Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
In the lead-up to elections, Cameroon’s youth often find themselves vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation by politicians.
Recognizing this challenge, LOYOC has taken proactive steps to empower young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the electoral process with integrity.
Through the workshop, LOYOC aimed to equip youth with tools and insights to resist manipulation and corruption, and instead become agents of positive change.
“This 2-day workshop is a critical step toward building a culture of civic responsibility and peaceful political engagement among youth,” said Achalake Christian Leke, National Coordinator of LOYOC.
The workshop brought together over 30 participants, including journalists, youth leaders, representatives from taxi drivers’ unions, and physically challenged persons. “We had trainees from the hinterland, and people from sectors usually forgotten in such trainings,” Achalake Christian Leke noted.
The workshop was organized in collaboration with the elections organizing body in Cameroon – Elecam, the Ministry of Territorial Administration, Youth Affairs and Civic Education, and the United Nations.
“Partners educated and reminded youth of their rights and responsibilities as voters, and provided techniques to avoid violent behaviour,” said Ballo Ngomna, Project Lead.
“The workshop fits squarely in the UN’s vision of supporting local initiatives for conflict prevention and resolution,” said Stean Auguste Tshiband, UN Peace and Development Adviser in Cameroon.
Adeline Honorine, Head of Cooperation Unit at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to empowering young people, especially on peace-related issues.
This workshop was part of LOYOC’s larger “Harnessing Opportunities for Peaceful Electoral Processes” (HOPE) project, designed to promote peaceful elections and democratic resilience.
