– Paul Biya
Being part of the president’s message to
the Youths on the eve of 11 February 2017
My dear young compatriots,
In recent years, I have continually urged
you to spare no effort to overcome the obstacles that could stand in your way.
I
also encouraged you to use your resourcefulness, your creativity and your
courage, to secure your future.
I
think I have been understood by many of you, like our dear INDOMITABLE LIONS,
whose remarkable victory at the recent Africa Cup of Nations brought great
jubilation to our people.
The
new feat achieved by the Indomitable Lions barely a few weeks after the equally
remarkable performance of our Women’s National Football Team in a similar
competition, confirms the vitality of our youth and demonstrates to the world
that “impossible is un-Cameroonian”.
During
these two competitions, we all admired the talent, courage and patriotic
commitment of our young footballers, as well as their capacity to unite in
order to defend the national flag.
This
determination to serve the Republic is also celebrated day by day among our
defence and security forces, as well as vigilante groups which are fighting in
unison to protect our country from the Boko Haram terrorist sect.
My dear young compatriots,
Your
enthusiasm to join the defence and security forces at this moment bears
eloquent testimony to your attachment to the peace and stability of our
country, as well as your burning desire to serve your fatherland.
You
demonstrate similar commitment in your various activities which contribute to
our country’s inexorable march towards emergence.
I would like to congratulate you on that.
My dear young compatriots,
As
we prepare to celebrate your Day, I cannot fail to mention the challenges faced
by your brothers and sisters in the North-West and South-West Regions.
Due
to the strike actions initiated by some trade unions, classes have been
disrupted in these regions for several weeks now. I ordered a constructive
dialogue between the Government and the trade unions concerned in order to find
consensual solutions to the problems raised. These negotiations, which took
place within the framework of the ad hoc committees set up to that end, helped
to define the issues and determine ways and means to address them.
The Government has already taken some
actions to implement the recommendations made by the committees I have just
mentioned. Other actions will follow soon.
These
efforts notwithstanding, there have been lingering difficulties, especially
owing to the emergence of political demands by extremist and separatist
organizations. Preaching hate and violence, these organizations have committed
or caused serious atrocities against citizens and damaged their property, as
well as public buildings and utilities. They have embarked on a campaign of
intimidation, threats and violence to disrupt the normal conduct of business
and school activities.
Faced
with this situation, the Government had to take measures to maintain order,
protect citizens and their property and hand over to the judicial authorities
those who committed or were suspected of committing these criminal acts. This
necessary action will continue, in compliance with the laws and regulations of
the Republic.
Obviously,
the Government will continue, in a methodical and orderly manner, to work
towards finding appropriate solutions to the justice and education concerns
raised by trade unions of English-speaking lawyers and teachers.
Together, we will also continue to work
towards finding solutions to maintain peace, consolidate our country’s unity
and strengthen our desire to live together and our day-to-day experience of
togetherness, in compliance with our Constitution.
In
fulfilment of my commitment to that end, I have set up the National Commission
on the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism. Its members will be
appointed soon and I expect the youth to play an active role therein.
My dear young compatriots,
The
Government’s readiness to dialogue with the trade union organizations and, with
them, seek common solutions to the problems raised recently led to the signing
of a declaration by some of them, calling off the strike action. I congratulate
them on that. Efforts in that connection will continue.
As
I have said before, every citizen has the right to express his opinion on any
issue of national life and to take part in a peaceful strike.
Conversely, it is unacceptable to use
threats, intimidation or violence to compel anybody to heed a call for strike
action.
It
is also unacceptable to hold the education and future of our children hostage,
in the vain hope of pushing through political demands.
While
the right to strike is legitimate, the right to education is even more so. It
is a fundamental right.
Like
their brothers and sisters in the other regions, the pupils and students of the
North-West and South-West regions have a right to education. They have the
right to prepare their future in peace.
Therefore,
the Government will take all the necessary measures to ensure that this right
is respected.
My dear young compatriots,
In
the twenty-first century, our bilingualism is a major asset which we must
leverage. By providing us a window on the world, these two languages constitute
for our youth and ourselves an invaluable asset which only needs to be used.
They are a precious communication tool. Therefore, they should not become a
bone of contention between Cameroonians.
My dear young compatriots,
Each
of you is a star in our sky. You are the ones who light up Cameroon. You
represent the positive values of a radiant and winning Cameroon.
This
is why the Government is not relenting in its efforts to ensure that you play
your rightful role in shaping the future of our country.
Once
more, I encourage you to be daring, to be courageous and to take initiatives.
The Government will do everything to assist you.
In
this respect, I am pleased that the implementation of the CFAF 102 billion
“Special Youth” three-year plan has started. It will support one and a half
million young people aged between 15 years and 35 years, at a rate of five
hundred thousand youths annually, in various areas of interest such as
agriculture and digital economy.
Regarding
the digital sector specifically, the National Youth Observatory will soon have
a platform for meetings and discussions. Guides will be developed to assist and
support youths seeking entrepreneurship training, vocational qualification,
employment or self-employment.
My dear young compatriots,
The
current difficulties notwithstanding, your future remains foremost among our
concerns.
Look
around you. Look at the hydro-electric dams under construction, the roads, the
ports, the motorways being constructed, the factories and the stadiums being
built. They provide employment and various opportunities for our youth.
Our
country is undergoing transformation and development. Be part of this wonderful
and extraordinary adventure.
Feel
proud to be Cameroonians! Continue to be daring in creative activities, to be
courageous in your work, and to hone your different skills in your respective
fields of endeavour.
Together, we will continue to move from
victory to victory.
Together, we will continue to be a strong
nation.
Happy YOUTH DAY to you all!
Long Live Cameroonian youth!
Long Live Cameroon
Pic
President Paul Biya addressing Cameroonian
Youths
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