By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
As uncertainty looms over the post presidential election era in Cameroon, youth of the South West Region have renewed their commitment to peace, unity, and responsible citizenship. The declaration was made during a one-day peace rally held in Buea on Friday, October 24, 2025, an initiative led by the Member of Parliament for Buea Urban Constituency, Hon. Malomba Esembe.
Organised in collaboration with the South West Regional Delegation of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, the Cameroon National Youth Council (Buea Chapter), and the Network of South West Young Parliamentarians, the rally sought to dissuade young people from engaging in post-election violence or the destruction of public property.
The event comes at a crucial moment, just days before the Constitutional Council’s announcement of the presidential election results and in the wake of reported acts of vandalism in other parts of the country, including the destruction of public buildings such as the Dschang Court of Justice.
Speaking during the rally, Hon. Malomba Esembe stressed the importance of maintaining calm and unity during the tense post-election period. “In every democracy like ours, the period after elections is critical for national unity,” he said. “An election is a competition, and as we wait for the results, there are calls from some quarters for unbecoming conduct. That is why we felt it was important to bring our peers together to remind ourselves of the value of being responsible citizens.”
He further noted that youth energy should be directed toward constructive endeavors rather than destruction. “It is not just our behavior on election day that matters but our conduct afterwards. It is easier to build strong, young citizens than to repair broken communities. Whatever the outcome of the election, the way forward is not to destroy but to build,” he emphasised.
The South West Regional Delegate for Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Isaac Ekombe Mbua, echoed the same message, urging young people to act as agents of peace rather than instruments of violence. “We don’t see you as leaders who perpetuate violence,” he told the youth. “When we see you, we see you as vectors for the promotion and building of peace.”
The rally featured a series of presentations on civic education, responsible citizenship, and peacebuilding. Speakers highlighted the vital role of young people in shaping a united and progressive Cameroon, emphasising that civic responsibility extends beyond the ballot box.
After the indoor session, Hon. Malomba Esembe led participants on a symbolic peace walk through the major streets of Buea, the “town of legendary hospitality” to demonstrate unity and civic maturity. The walk concluded at the office of the Divisional Officer for Buea Subdivision, Abba Abduraman, where the youth formally pledged to uphold peace within Buea and across the South West Region.
Receiving the delegation, the Divisional Officer commended the youth for their civic consciousness and assured them that their message of peace would be relayed to higher authorities. “I will channel the message of the youth to the proper quarters,” he promised. “Our young people of Buea and beyond are saying no to violence and no to destruction.”
He further applauded the efforts of Hon. Esembe and his partners for fostering dialogue and civic engagement among young citizens, reaffirming that his office remains open to initiatives that promote stability and harmony in the community.
By the end of the rally, the youth collectively vowed to serve as “ambassadors of peace” and to lead by example in preserving national unity. Their pledge, organisers said, represents a strong signal of hope and responsibility at a time when the nation needs solidarity the most.