Representatives from different divisions of the North West Region have called on the government to address insecurity, poor roads, unemployment, and challenges in the education sector during the launching of the community dialogue in Bamenda Thursday, Ocotber 15.
The representatives spoke about the effects of the ongoing crisis on their communities, including killings, kidnappings, ransoms for huge amounts, intimidation, the shortage of teachers and the difficulties faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs).
They also called for more support for women, youths, and children, saying their needs must be addressed for the dialogue to bring meaningful change.
Bui Division Calls for Youth Empowerment
Representatives from Bui Division raised concerns over killings, the kidnapping of teachers, and continued insecurity in their communities.
They called on the government to empower young people and create opportunities that could encourage those involved in the armed conflict to lay down their weapons and return to civilian life.
They also urged traditional rulers, women, and religious leaders to take part in efforts to reach separatist fighters and encourage them to abandon the fighting.
The speakers stressed the need to support women, youths, and children. They also highlighted challenges in education, including the need to strengthen teacher training.
Boyo Division Raises Security Concerns
Representatives from Boyo Division expressed concern over insecurity in Bambui, fears involving gendarmes in Belo Subdivision, and other security challenges affecting the division.
They called for improved security to enable residents to go about their daily activities without fear.
Mezam Division Highlights Kidnappings and Education Problems
Representatives from Mezam Division spoke about repeated kidnappings and other challenges facing their communities.
They said traditional rulers had organised cultural events, sporting activities, and messages to their people as part of efforts to encourage peace.
They also raised concerns over boundary disputes between villages, the shortage of teachers, and the lack of funds to care for internally displaced persons.
Another concern was the difficulty some children face in sitting for competitive examinations because their names do not appear on the examination lists.
Poor State of Ring Road Raises Concern
The poor state of the Ring Road, particularly the Wum road, was also raised during the discussions.
Representatives called on the government to look into the condition of the road and take action to improve it, given its importance to movement and activities in the region.
Prime Minister Calls for Peace and Dialogue
Responding to the concerns, the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute, called on the population to work together to end the violence and restore peace in the North West Region.
He urged community leaders to speak honestly to young people involved in the armed conflict and encourage them to lay down their weapons.
On concerns that unemployment was pushing young people into the conflict, the Prime Minister said the lack of jobs could not be a reason for everyone to take up arms.
He warned that those who continued fighting risked losing their lives and urged them to abandon the armed struggle.
The Prime Minister also called for more dialogue and negotiations to bring the remaining separatist fighters out of the bushes and encourage them to return to civilian life.
He stressed that the population, traditional rulers, and other community leaders had an important role to play in reaching the fighters, noting that people within the communities could help convince them to abandon the fighting.
He ended his message by calling on the population to unite, continue dialogue, and work together to restore lasting peace in the North West Region.