How Did Plebiscite Day Become Cameroon’s National Youth Day?

Cameroon’s National Youth Day, celebrated annually on February 11th, is a significant event that honours the nation’s youth and highlights their pivotal role in nation-building. The nation celebrates this day, which originated from the 1961 plebiscite. Youths from the British Southern Cameroons participated in a public vote, choosing between gaining independence by joining la Republique du Cameroon or the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Historical Context

On February 11, 1961, a pivotal plebiscite was held in the British Cameroons to determine their political future. The Southern Cameroons voted to unite with the already independent French-speaking Republic of Cameroon, while the Northern Cameroons chose to join Nigeria. This decision led to the reunification of Cameroon, shaping the nation’s contemporary landscape.

Inception of Youth Day

Following reunification, the government of West Cameroon sought to foster a sense of unity and national identity among its citizens. In 1962, under the leadership of Prime Minister John Ngu Foncha, October 26th, previously celebrated as the national day, was repurposed as “Youth and Sport” day. This initiative aimed to emphasise the importance of youth in the nation’s future. The inaugural celebration on October 26, 1962, featured activities such as school parades, athletic competitions, folklore dances, and the reading of the prime minister’s speech.

By the end of 1963, the West Cameroon government decided to shift the Youth Day celebrations to February 11th, aligning it with the anniversary of the 1961 plebiscite. This move aimed to commemorate the plebiscite that led to reunification and to highlight the role of youth in the nation’s development. On February 11, 1964, the first Youth Day on this new date took place, featuring grand events in Buea and Bamenda, where dignitaries from both West and East Cameroon gathered.

National Adoption

Recognising the significance of Youth Day, the federal government of Cameroon adopted it as a national public holiday in 1966. Since then, February 11th has been a day of nationwide celebrations, including parades, cultural performances, sports events, and various activities organised by and for the youth. The day serves as a platform to align young citizens with ideologies of nation-building, national unity, and responsible citizenship.

For years now, Cameroon’s Head of State has seized the opportunity to address the youths every February 10, one day before National Youth Day. He uses the occasion to address key concerns pertaining to the youths, especially education, employment, and participation in Nation building. He also uses the address to moralise the youths, calling on greater youth engagement.

Contemporary Observations

Over the decades, Youth Day has evolved, reflecting both the aspirations and challenges of Cameroon’s young population. The day bursts with enthusiasm and vibrant activities, yet it highlights the pressing need to tackle issues like youth unemployment, education, and civic engagement. In recent years, Youth Day celebrations have centred on motivating young people to actively contribute to building a peaceful, stable, and emerging Cameroon.

In 2024, for instance, thousands of young people participated in parades, cultural dances, singing, and sporting events across the country. Organisations like Africa Code Week have also joined in the celebrations, emphasising the importance of equipping young Cameroonians with digital skills for the future.

Mimi Mefo Info