Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
The roundtable conference highlighted the importance of international cooperation and dialogue in addressing the complex issues surrounding migration.
In an atmosphere where civil society actors, institutions, and development partners are operating separately, addressing migration challenges becomes challenging.
“The platform was to bring all the actors together so that collectively we can create something important for the youth,” says Ndi Nancy Saiboh, treasurer of CIDP.
The conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon, brought together migration experts, government officials, and civil society leaders to discuss the complex issue of migration and its impact on African youth.
The aim was to explore ways to turn migration into a driver of sustainable development for young people in Cameroon and beyond.
This demographic reality raises important questions about the potential for migration to contribute to the country’s development.
Ndi Nancy Saiboh, emphasized the need for a nuanced approach. “We need to identify the challenges facing our youth and explore opportunities for development,” she said.
According to Abdel Rahmane Diop, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Cameroon, the stakes are high.
“About six Cameroonians migrate from the country every day,” he revealed.
Statistics from UNHCR show that Cameroon hosts over 300,000 refugees annually, with 30% of migrants identified across the world in 2024 being under 30 years old.
Way forward
The conference marked an important step towards finding solutions to the complex issues surrounding migration and youth development in Africa, given that migration with its negative aspects has clear opportunities.
“Youths today don’t need promises, they need tools and opportunities,” says Dr. Helmes Nkwa, President of CIDP.
“Together we have solutions to migration issues,” Abdel Rahmane Diop added.
Migration experts believe that if the phenomenon is not well governed it gives way to crimes and other ills.
“It is therefore not migration that we have to fight, but the irregularities, and exploitations,” an expert revealed.
This demographic reality raises important questions about the potential for migration to contribute to the country’s development.
Ndi Nancy Sai Oh, Treasurer of the International Council for Dialogue and Partnership, emphasized the need for a nuanced approach.
“We need to identify the challenges facing our youth and explore opportunities for development,” she said.
Worth noting is the fact the roundtable was organized within the framework of the visit to the head office of CIDP by the Mission Head of the UN International Organization for Migration, Abdel. Rahmane Diop.
