The founder of KHAMAHUF, Alhadji Khalir has praised Fai Yengo Francis, National Coordinator of DDRC for the remarkable work being done to reintegrate ex-combatants into society and promote the return of peace and normalcy in the NW/SW Regions.
This was during an outreach activity, organised by the humanitarian organisation led by Kongnyuy Khalir, at the Bamenda DDR Centre. It was a demonstration of solidarity with youths who have abandoned violence to answer the call for peace made by the Head of State, Paul Biya. The donation comprised bags of rice, corn, spaghetti, beans, vegetable oil, cartons of soap, clothing for women and children as well as sanitary pads, estimated at close to one million CFA francs. The assistance was intended to support the residents during their reintegration process while restoring confidence in a future away from conflict. Speaking during the ceremony, Alhadji Khalir praised the courage of the ex-combatants for laying down their weapons and choosing dialogue and reintegration over violence. “I wanted to encourage youths who have dropped their weapons and embraced the path of peace, thereby heeding President Paul Biya’s call,” he stated. He urged the beneficiaries to remain committed to rebuilding their lives and contributing positively to society. According to him, sustainable peace in the North West and South West Regions can only be achieved when all actors work collectively towards reconciliation and development. “It was an opportunity for me to beckon on them to take their reintegration seriously,” Khalir added, while encouraging the youths to persuade their former peers still in the bushes to surrender arms and join the peace process.
The event equally featured a sensitisation session led by Dr. Yeika Eugene, who educated residents on hygiene and sanitation, stressing the importance of maintaining clean surroundings and observing proper personal hygiene practices to prevent diseases. Women at the centre were also reminded of the need to respect vaccination schedules for their babies.
One of the beneficiaries described the visit as timely and reassuring, noting that gestures of solidarity help strengthen their determination to reintegrate successfully into society. Staff members of the centre equally hailed the initiative as a meaningful contribution towards restoring hope among the youths.
The activity highlighted the foresight of President Paul Biya in establishing the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Centres, to provide former fighters with an opportunity for a new beginning through rehabilitation, psychosocial support and vocational empowerment. Alhadji Khalir impressed by what he saw commended the National Coordinator Fai Yengo Francis, saying that under his leadership, the DDR programme continues to record encouraging results in accompanying ex-combatants back into mainstream society while contributing to the return of peace and normalcy in the crisis-affected regions.
Claudette Chin
