By Doh James Sonkey
The Government of Cameroon, through the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education (MINJEC) has officially presented the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security (PAN-JPS). The presentation was done last September 22, 2025 at the Yaounde Conference Centre by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou in the presence of the Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family, Prof Marie Therese Abena Ondoa alongside others.
Addressing the public, Minister Mounouna Foutsou said “Cameroon is a country rich in diversity, but it faces complex security challenges, making the engagement of young people in peacebuilding essential for sustainable and inclusive development.” He said “Cameroon, a land of diversity, resilience and promise, faces multiple challenges that affect its youth, peace and security. In a world marked by instability, social divisions, migration flows, climate change and geopolitical shifts, it is imperative to give young Cameroonians the tools, spaces and opportunities they need to become not just beneficiaries, but active builders of sustainable peace.’’
He said ‘‘it is part of a comprehensive and deeply humanistic approach. It is the result of a consultative, inclusive and intergenerational process that brought together more than 900 participants between 2023 and 2025. The aim is to transform young people into ‘active peacebuilders’, providing them with the tools and opportunities to overcome challenges and actively contribute to the future of the country.’’
This collective commitment, driven by young people (girls and boys), youth-led organisations, community actors, public institutions, and technical and financial partners, embodies the hope for a peaceful, just and equitable future.
The total cost of the plan is estimated at FCFA 49 billion for the period 2025 to 2030.
MINJEC boss rejoiced that ‘‘the document is much more than a strategy; it is the symbol of governance based on listening, trust and dignity.
Speaking on behalf of the National Executive President of the Cameroon National Youth Council, Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou, the Secretary General of the CNYC, Cedric Messambe reminded participants that peace is a cornerstone in the construction of nations. He said, the multifaceted actions of development partners actively contribute to the development of the Cameroonian youth.