54TH EDITION OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH DAY*********HEAD OF STATE’S MESSAGE TO THE YOUTH
Yaounde, 10 February 2020

 My dear young compatriots,
Very recently, in my message to the Nation, I told you that the current seven-year
term would be decisive. Of course, I was thinking about our achieving emerging
economy status by 2035, which would validate the strides we have made in terms of
democracy and economic and social progress. Well, I believe that the situation isproving me right.
There was a need to address, as a priority, the long-pending issue ofimplementation of decentralization. The Major National Dialogue paved the way foradoption, by Parliament, of the General Code of Regional and Local Authorities and alaw which guarantees the use of English and French on an equal footing. Without delay,
I promulgated these instruments into law.
Therefore, nothing stands in the way of their application any more. This is indeed
a peaceful revolution that meets the aspirations of our fellow citizens to greater
participation in the management of local affairs. Besides, the North-West and SouthWest Regions have been granted a special status with provisions reflecting their socialand cultural specificities.
You may wonder why I dwell on an issue that does not specifically concern you. I
do so for two reasons:- Firstly, yours will be the maiden generation of youths to take advantage of theopportunities that will open up for those wishing to engage in the local
governance sphere. I urge you to do so.
- Secondly, the new process of decentralization serves as an example. It provesthat the problems related to development of our society can be resolved throughconsultation without resorting to violence.2 My dear young compatriots,
I wish to underscore this point because there are far too many places worldwide particularly in Africa - where violence wreaks suffering on the people. We do not want
this to happen in Cameroon. Our goal remains to build a peaceful, democratic, just andprosperous society.
Accordingly, we will keep up efforts to achieve that goal by focusing on thedevelopment of our educational system.
Although its quality has attained an acceptable level, it will continue to beaccorded special attention by the Government. For instance, in 2020, the budget
allocations for all types of education combined, represent around one-seventh of public
spending.
Young people with sound training and education will naturally be more likely toemerge as responsible citizens and find employment.
Finding employment, particularly for the youth, remains a cause for concern,
because for the time being, there is mismatch between employment demand andsupply. The Government and the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training are
making every effort to provide solutions to this problem. The former through its
recruitment into the public service and the army, and the latter through theimplementation of various employment assistance programmes.
However, it must be acknowledged that though laudable, such efforts are unlikely
to resolve a problem stemming from the fact that our economy does not generateenough jobs. This difficulty notwithstanding, it is gratifying to know that, according tostatistics, slightly over 500 000 jobs were created last year in the modern sector of oureconomy.
The said sector’s current situation is attributable to the different crises witnessedover the last two decades. I mentioned this issue recently in my end-of-year message tothe Nation.
In substance, I stated that our economic recovery was relatively satisfactory andthat our growth was once again on the uptrend. However, I also stated that the global
context remained uncertain and that we had to redouble our efforts to stay on the path ofemergence. Earlier, I had the opportunity to deplore our heavy dependence on theoutside world and to suggest that we should reduce it.
Such is the meaning of our development policy which aims to modernize ouragriculture, stimulate our industrialization, particularly by processing our agricultural and3mineral commodities, and develop digital technology. This will enable us to reduce ourimports, increase our exports and create new employment areas. It behoves you, mydear young compatriots, to take on this challenging task in the coming decades.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education will continue its
activities to the benefit of youths in the areas of civic education and national integration,
economic integration and implementation of the Three-Year Special Youth Plan. Such isthe case with the Youth Connekt Cameroon initiative that was launched recently inYaounde.
These various programmes concern several hundreds of thousands of youngpeople.
Regarding our reasons for legitimate satisfaction, I will mention the victories
scored by our young sportsmen and sportswomen on the world stage, which include:- the 2nd Africa Cup of Nations trophy lifted by our Under-17 Men’s Football Teamin April 2019;- the 2nd African Women's Volleyball Championship trophy won by our Women’s
National Volleyball Team in July 2019; and- the designation, in January 2020, of our Women's National Football Team as thebest women’s football team on the continent.
I believe that we can take pride in our young sportsmen and sportswomen throughwhom Cameroon's flag is flying very high.
My dear young compatriots,Not too long ago, during a Council of Ministers meeting, I requested theGovernment to consider designing a national drug and alcohol abuse control plan. Suchabuse had reached an alarming level among the Cameroonian youth. Once more, I am
calling on the Government today to redouble its efforts to combat this scourge.
I also avail myself of the opportunity of this Youth Day celebration to, again,
appeal to our young compatriots in the North-West and South-West Regions. Those
who have allowed themselves to be lured into armed gangs and who continue tomaintain a climate of insecurity in these two regions should lay down their weapons, likemany who have already done so and who are living peacefully in our communities. Onceagain, I urge them to come out of the bush and rejoin their other fellow young citizens
who are leading normal lives in our society.

4

My dear young compatriots,I cannot conclude without mentioning a recent incident that has shocked ourconsciences: the murder, in Yaounde, of a young mathematics teacher by one of hisstudents. This incredible act speaks volumes about the excesses of our modernsocieties.
I call on parents, the clergy and teachers to prevent, through their teachings, suchacts from happening again. I also urge you to reflect on what has happened, to ponder
its gravity and to resolve to never again commit such acts.
I take this opportunity to once more extend my heartfelt condolences to thebereaved parents.
My dear young compatriots,

Sixty years ago – when I was your age, Cameroon gained its independence. That
had been the dream of the youth in those days and that dream came true.
The task ahead was huge. We were aware of this. It took a lot of effort, but also
blood and tears, to get to where we are today. Generations of youth like you devoted
their lives for us to get here. We have no reason to be ashamed of what they achieved.
Today, a large majority of Cameroonians can eat their fill, receive health care,
enrol in primary and secondary schools and university, and have the right to express
themselves and to vote freely.
Of course, much remains to be accomplished. We will do so together. Together,
we will build the just and prosperous society to which we aspire.
 My dear young compatriots,
For the good of our country, I need you.
Happy Youth Day!
Long live Cameroonian Youth! AndLong Live Cameroon!