A glaring lack of civic responsibility in Cameroon has caught the keen attention of Members of Parliament, which sparked urgent calls for a cultural shift towards greater civic engagement and accountability among citizens.
At a time when Cameroon is navigating through complex socio-political landscapes, the call for heightened civic responsibility rings louder. MPs have sounded the alarm, urging citizens towards a renewed sense of civic duty for the betterment of the nation.
This pressing issue was the focal point of an information sharing and discussion forum held during the recent session of parliament, organized by the Committee on Education, Vocational Training, and Youth in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education.
The forum, themed “Strengthening educational mechanisms to sustainably combat civic misconduct,” brought to light alarming facets of civic apathy and misconduct permeating various spheres of Cameroonian society. From hate speech on social media to challenges in managing civic behavior in urban areas, the discussions painted a picture of a nation grappling with the consequences of waning civic responsibility.
Hon. Mary Muyali Meboka, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, presiding over the forum, stressed the imperative of embedding civic values at the heart of national unity and coexistence. “The National Assembly’s commitment to embedding civic values at the heart of national unity and coexistence” underscored the legislative body’s resolve to tackle this issue head-on.
“Civic responsibility is not just a duty; it’s the backbone of a functioning democracy,” echoed through the halls of the Paul Biya Glass House during the forum. MPs like Hon. Peter Ambang Njume Hon. Kouppit Adamou contributed to the discourse, pointing towards the need for actionable steps to instill a culture of civic responsibility among Cameroonians.
Representatives from key ministries presented on strategies to combat civic misconduct, emphasizing the role of legal frameworks, cultural values, and targeted mechanisms for promoting civic-mindedness. The involvement of youths in fostering civic responsibility was highlighted as pivotal, especially as the country approaches the October presidential elections.
Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mr. Mounouna Foutsou, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting civic responsibility through targeted initiatives.
Claudette Chin
