The Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou made the call in Idenau in the South West Region during the launch of activities ahead of the 59th Youth Day on February 11.
The launch of the 59th Youth Day in Idenau focused on the theme “Youth Maturity and Responsibility for the Consolidation of Peace, Security, Economic Growth and Democratic Process,” Speaking during the launch, Minister Mounouna emphasized the critical role of young people in national development. The Minister highlighted the government’s initiatives aimed at fostering youth engagement and called upon them to be ambassadors of peace. During the ceremony, Minister Foutsou articulated a clear message to the youth of the South-West Region, stating, “We came here with a strong message to the youth of the South-West Region.
Not only a message relating to the theme of this celebration which is Youth Maturity and Responsibility for the Consolidation of Peace, Security, Economic Growth and the Democratic Process, but also with support within the three-year Special Youth Plan to show the importance the government and His Excellency President Paul Biya is attaching to the youth of the South-West Region,” the member of government stated.
He further elaborated the government’s commitment, urging young people “to benefit from those supports and be ambassadors for their peers who are still enrolling in the armed groups in Bushes to deposit arms and join the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration centres, DDR where we have already opened a cluster in the fortress. It is a very important sector of activity for incorporating youth,” the minister added. He called on youth to effectively contribute to national progress.
The three-year Special Youth Plan, according to the minister, is a clear demonstration of the government’s intention to invest in the youth, providing them with the necessary tools and support to become change agents. Minister Mounouna further urged young Cameroonians to take ownership of their future and play a proactive role in building a better society. Speaking in separate reactions after the event, pundits and experts described the minister’s statement as a demonstration of government’s efforts to not only empower young people through support programs but also to encourage them to actively participate in the peace process in the country by disengaging from armed groups.
The Minister’s address, they argued, emphasizes the government’s recognition that youth engagement is vital for stability and prosperity. He stressed that maturity and responsibility are essential components. The emphasis on peace, security, and economic growth, the pundits insist, reflects an approach to youth development, linking it to the broader goals of national stability and prosperity.
