February 11 in Cameroon, known as Youth Day, obscures a history of betrayal from the 1961 plebiscite, which forcibly integrated Southern Cameroons into French Cameroon against its will. Rather than a celebration, it represents marginalization and manipulation by authorities. Youth today face significant barriers to participation, with empty political promises perpetuated by elder leaders, highlighting the need for active youth engagement and real policy reform to reclaim their future.
February 11 in Cameroon is often celebrated as Youth Day, but its true history is marred by division and betrayal. This day marks the 1961 plebiscite, during which the United Nations compelled the British-administered Northern and Southern Cameroons to choose between joining Nigeria or French Cameroon. While Northern Cameroons opted for Nigeria, Southern Cameroons, under coercion, voted to join French Cameroon in a union that promised autonomy but was quickly ignored.
Post-plebiscite, Southern Cameroons was stripped of its independence and federal structure by Ahmadou Ahidjo, who dissolved the federation in 1972, leading to decades of Anglophone marginalization and centralization of power. The ongoing Anglophone crisis, which includes violence and humanitarian crises, is a consequence of this betrayal, as promises made to the region have been continually broken.
In 1967, Ahidjo renamed February 11 as Youth Day, transforming a painful historical moment into a national celebration filled with parades and entertainment, effectively erasing its true meaning. This manipulation served to distract citizens from the political injustices facing their community, allowing the regime to continue consolidating power while ignoring the plight of Anglophones.
Today, Cameroon’s youth remain sidelined in political, economic, and social spheres. Unlike the past, where youth held significant positions of power, the current environment allows only for elderly leaders, with the government fostering a culture of inactivity among the younger generation, who are discouraged from engaging in political dialogue and leadership roles.
Instead of a day of empowerment, Youth Day has become a superficial occasion for political posturing, where parades and entertainment replace critical discussions about youth roles in governance and opportunities. The government utilizes these celebrations as propaganda, suggesting concern for youth while excluding them from meaningful decision-making processes.
Paul Biya’s annual speeches on Youth Day are filled with empty promises, lacking any substantive action to improve the conditions for youth. For decades, he has perpetuated a narrative that they are the “spearhead of the nation,” all while reinforcing systemic barriers that prevent their rise to prominence and economic survival in the face of significant unemployment.
Despite a youth unemployment rate exceeding 60%, the government continues to offer unrealistic advice while neglecting to provide necessary support for job creation or entrepreneurial initiatives. With no young representation in governance and the dominance of a gerontocracy, the voices of the youth are perpetually marginalized, leading to a grim outlook for their future.
February 11 should encourage the youth of Cameroon to recognize their historical manipulation and become active participants in politics. This involves not only voting to effect change but also demanding genuine policy reforms that prioritize youth empowerment and opportunities for their involvement in shaping the country’s future.
Ultimately, February 11 symbolizes betrayal, lost opportunities, and ongoing marginalization rather than celebration. A true Youth Day should inspire a collective effort among the younger generation to reclaim their political agency and challenge the status quo, pushing back against the political deceit that has persisted for decades. Until the youth take decisive action, February 11 will remain merely a tool for governmental distraction rather than a celebration of empowerment.
Cameroon’s observance of February 11 as Youth Day masks a deeper history of betrayal and marginalization of the Anglophone population. This day should serve as a reminder for youth to reflect critically on their political history and engage proactively in shaping their future. By reclaiming their narrative and demanding real policy changes, the youth can transform February 11 from a day of distraction into one of genuine empowerment and action.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
