After nearly a decade of conflict that silenced public commemorations in several parts of the North West Region, National Youth Day returned this 11 February with cautious optimism, visible security and a population testing the waters of normalcy.
Before the crisis took full shape in 2017, Youth Day activities were held across all subdivisions with packed grandstands, school parades and a festive atmosphere. In recent years, however, ghost town calls, sporadic violence and widespread fear reduced celebrations to symbolic gatherings or halted them altogether in some localities.
This year, the Commercial Avenue grandstand in Bamenda once again hosted official activities. Attendance increased compared to previous crisis years, though it fell short of pre conflict numbers. Across the city and much of the region, economic activity resumed at a low pace following calls for a stay home by armed groups. Transport operated selectively. Many residents watched events from a distance, weighing security concerns against a desire for normal civic life.
In Tubah Sub Division, youths gathered at the University of Bamenda to commemorate the 60th anniversary like elsewhere across the country under the theme, “youths at the heart of great hope for a united, stable and prosperous Cameroon.” Young people from various villages converged for football, cultural displays and a march past under strong security presence.
The Divisional Officer, Massango Metuge Narcisse used the occasion to reinforce a message of responsibility and discipline.
“We encourage the youth to be responsible, believe in themselves, and practise good morals and discipline to spare their families from the pain that comes with irresponsible living,” he said.
Drayinfos.com reports that before Massango’s appointment, commemorations such as 11 February and 20 May had grown largely silent in Tubah. Their continuity in recent years, though modest, signals an attempt to restore civic engagement and state presence in a fragile environment.
In Bamenda, the ceremony was presided over by Governor Adolphe Lele L’Afrique, flanked by administrative, military and traditional authorities. Defence and security forces maintained a visible presence throughout the city.
Selected schools marched in disciplined formations to the rhythm of a youth band. Public services and political parties, including the CPDM and the PCRN, also took part in the parade. The choreography and coordination reflected careful preparation and tight control.
In Nwa Sub Division, Donga Mantung Division, turnout was described as respectable. Schools from nursery to secondary level gathered at the municipal grounds for march past, choral singing and traditional dances.
Under the supervision of Divisional Officer Esapa Jim Esapa and Mayor Menyong Lawrence, alongside traditional and religious leaders, youths demonstrated a visible attachment to national symbols. In a division often affected by insecurity and isolation, the celebration offered a rare collective moment of public expression.
In his national address marking the 60th Youth Day, President Paul Biya delivered a message centred on reassurance, gratitude and continuity. He acknowledged challenges facing young people, including unemployment, frustration and uncertainty, while thanking them for their role in his re-election and reaffirming his commitment to a united and prosperous Cameroon.
The President highlighted existing initiatives such as the Special Youth Employment Promotion Plan, tax incentives for companies recruiting young graduates, 50 billion CFA francs earmarked for youth entrepreneurship, increased subsidies to the National Employment Fund and the integration of young people into public works projects.
He urged youths to shun delinquency, drugs, alcohol abuse and misuse of social media, and called on parents and educators to guide them towards responsible citizenship.
However, for many in the North West, the address echoed previous speeches. No new concrete measures were announced to tackle rising unemployment, high costs of living, administrative bottlenecks for start ups, electricity shortages, poor internet connectivity or harassment at checkpoints. The specific impact of the Anglophone crisis on thousands of displaced and traumatised young people received little focused attention.
The tone was encouraging. The content, to many, felt familiar.
For a region emerging slowly from years of conflict, Youth Day must evolve from symbolic resilience to practical reconstruction.
First, youth employment programmes require decentralised implementation. Funds announced at national level should be transparently accessible in regional capitals and rural subdivisions alike. Clear criteria, public reporting and independent monitoring would build trust.
Second, local economic recovery must be prioritised. Small traders, digital entrepreneurs and farmers in the North West need reliable electricity, stable internet and protection from undue taxation and extortion. Without these basics, entrepreneurship rhetoric rings hollow.
Third, psychosocial support and reintegration programmes are essential. Many young people have experienced displacement, violence or recruitment into armed groups. Peace building initiatives must target them directly through vocational training, civic education and dialogue platforms.
Fourth, genuine youth inclusion in decision making should move beyond appointments at the margins. Structured youth councils at regional and divisional levels could provide institutional channels for grievances and proposals.
Finally, security operations must increasingly prioritise community trust. Protection of civilians and respect at checkpoints will do more to encourage participation in civic life than force alone.
The 2026 National Youth Day in the North West Region did not restore the vibrancy of pre crisis years. But it did show that civic space, though fragile, is not entirely closed. Increased turnout in Bamenda, sustained celebrations in Tubah and visible participation in Nwa suggest a population navigating between fear and hope.
For Hilltopvoices, the central question is not whether youths can march. It is whether they can work, innovate and live without fear. The drums have sounded. The parades have passed. What remains is the harder task of turning annual promises into daily progress.
By Bakah Derick in Bamenda for Hilltopvoices Online
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