By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
A coalition of women and youth groups, known as the Platform Cameroon Women and Youths Consultation for National Dialogue, has called on highest state authorities and political actors to demonstrate responsibility, maturity and a republican spirit by prioritizing consultation and the peaceful resolution of all electoral disputes.
The initiative, led by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, WILPF, issued the call in a document signed by more than 300 youths and women on Oct. 29. The group is urging restraint, nonviolence, dialogue and social justice following post-election violence.
Fully aware of the essential role that women and youth play in maintaining and consolidating peace and building a fairer, more sustainable society, the initiative also called on the defense and security forces to carry out their duties professionally, with full respect for human rights and the dignity of citizens.
They also urged religious, traditional, opinion and community leaders to actively engage in inclusive mediation, peacebuilding and social cohesion, while calling on all citizens to reject manipulation, hate speech, incitement to violence and any form of communal stigmatization.
The statement appealed to the media and digital actors to use their influence to promote truth, tolerance and unity. It also called on international partners to support national efforts for dialogue, mediation, civic education and social justice.
The women and youth of Cameroon, united beyond ideological, cultural and religious differences, reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to defend peace and social justice as essential foundations of coexistence, and to promote inclusive and constructive dialogue among all components of the nation.
Their unwavering commitment is also geared toward protecting the rights and dignity of every Cameroonian, especially the most vulnerable; working toward civic education and awareness to prevent hatred, violence and division; and encouraging fair and participatory governance as a guarantee of national cohesion and sustainable development.
They indicated they firmly believe that no victory is worth the loss of a single human life, concluding that Cameroon, “our common heritage, must remain a land of peace, dialogue, social justice and mutual respect.”
“We truly expect the authorities to listen to the people’s grievances and take decisive measures to save the nation,” the statement said.
The call for restraint, nonviolence, dialogue and social justice comes after the tensions, violence and hate speech shaking the nation following the presidential election of Oct. 12.
Since the election, Cameroon has witnessed a worrying rise in incidents: loss of human lives, destruction of public and private property, mass arrests, enforced disappearances, kidnappings, intimidation, hate speech and incitement to violence, incivility, tribal and political hatred, as well as threats of clashes between citizens and security forces.
These incidents have been reported in Douala, Bafang, Nkongsamba, Bafoussam, Mandjou, Bertoua, Garoua, Maroua, Ngong, Yaoundé, Guider, Batouri, Dschang, Mbouda, Melong, Mokolo and Bandja, among other locations.
