Yaoundé, 6 January 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), through its Chief of Mission Mr Abdel Rahmane DIOP, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC), through its Minister Mr MOUNOUNA FOUTSOU, signed a memorandum of understanding in the Cameroonian capital (Yaoundé), within the framework of the National Development Strategy 2020 - 2030, aimed at addressing the challenges related to youth migration in Cameroon.

This is an ambitious project for Cameroon’s youth, which aims to achieve major results in the long term, including promoting regular migration and enhancing youth employability. The project also aims to consolidate the country’s migration policy and encourage legislation governing youth migration.

Given their commitment to the issues on the agenda, the Minister of Employment and Vocational Training (MINEFOP), Mr Bakary Issa Tchiroma, and Minister of Secondary Education (MINESEC), Ms Pauline Nalova Lyonga, were invited to take part in the event.

In his opening address, Jean Yves MEDANG, Programme Officer at IOM, listed the four key components of the Memorandum, which included awareness-raising and advocacy; training and capacity-building; improving the organizational, political and institutional framework; and promoting alternatives to irregular migration, particularly in relation to the issue of import-substitution.

A call for collective action was launched by Yves YOKO, Senior Reintegration Assistant at IOM. He stressed: “the importance of a holistic, multi-actor approach to ensure the sustainable reintegration of returnees. To this end, a referral mechanism will be put in place to guide these populations towards the private sector, thereby promoting their empowerment and community development.”

As well as formal presentations and speeches, the event was enhanced by artistic performances. Young slam artist Viany captivated the audience with a slam text raising awareness about the risks and dangers associated with irregular migration. Comedian Kéguégué International gave a comic illustration of the importance of the Memorandum, reinforcing the message about the crucial role of MINJEC and IOM in guiding young Cameroonians through the migration process.

The need for such an initiative was further supported by Mr MOUNOUNA FOUTSOU, when he recalled the sad sinking of a makeshift boat carrying migrants from sub-Saharan Africa attempting to cross the Mediterranean. This tragedy, which occurred on the first day of the year 2025 off the Tunisian coast, highlights the urgent need to better manage migration so that it becomes a driver of progress, peace and prosperity rather than a cause of misfortune.

***

For further information, please contact:

MEDANG Jean Yves, IOM Cameroon, jmedang@iom.int

Yves Yoko, IOM Cameroon, yfyoko@iom.int

Gisèle Massina, IOM Cameroon, gmassina@iom.int