On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Barrister Michèle Ndoki, leader of the Nation Builders Movement (Les Bâtisseurs de la Nation), met with Barrister Felix Agbor Nkongho, President of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa, to discuss strategies for youth empowerment and political engagement. Their meeting, which comes amid growing calls for political reform in Cameroon, highlighted the need for increased youth participation in governance, a challenge in a country where power remains concentrated in the hands of an ageing political elite.
Challenging the Status Quo
Despite their influence as legal and political figures, both Barristers Ndoki and Nkongho represent a generation largely excluded from the country’s top leadership. Cameroon’s political system has been dominated for decades by an ageing administration, with little room for young, reform-minded politicians. Recognising this reality, Ndoki emphasised the need for active political participation and inclusive governance.
“For change to be meaningful, it is critical that we engage more people, especially the youth, in the political process,” she said. “Only through inclusive participation can we achieve lasting and transformative reforms in Cameroon.”
Her comments reflect the frustration of many young Cameroonians who feel alienated from decision-making processes despite constituting the majority of the population. Efforts by young leaders like Ndoki and Nkongho to foster political engagement signal a growing movement determined to challenge the entrenched power structures.
Strengthening Civic Participation and Democratic Reform
During the meeting, the two leaders explored possible collaborations between their organisations to promote democratic values, strengthen civic participation, and empower Cameroonian citizens.
Barrister Ndoki, who has been a vocal advocate for democratic reforms, shared insights from her experience in Cameroonian politics, noting the significant obstacles young leaders face in mobilising support and effecting change. Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic about the potential for reform.
A Call for Youth Leadership
Barrister Agbor Nkongho, a well-known human rights lawyer, echoed these sentiments, further stressing the urgent need for youth to take an active role in shaping the future of Cameroon.
“We must continue to work together to build a more democratic and inclusive society,” he said. “The youth must play an active role in shaping their future, and it is our responsibility to create the platforms and spaces where they can thrive politically.”
The discussion between Ndoki and Nkongho is part of a broader movement advocating for generational change in Cameroon’s leadership. Their meeting signals hope for a new political landscape, one that embraces young voices and prioritises democratic progress.
The Road Ahead
While the challenges to youth political engagement in Cameroon remain significant—ranging from institutional barriers to political repression—the determination of young leaders like Michèle Ndoki and Nkongho suggests that change is not only necessary but inevitable. As the political landscape evolves, their advocacy for inclusion and reform will play a crucial role in shaping Cameroon’s future.
Their collaboration further marks an important step in the struggle for democracy, highlighting that the fight for political participation and human rights is far from over.
