A group of women and youth drawn from at least six regions of Cameroon that have experienced conflicts have resolved to promote peace in their various communities.

They took the commitment at the weekend during a workshop organized in Ebolowa by the Ministry of Decentralisation and Local Development to elaborate a local strategy aimed at involving women and youth in the prevention of conflicts and consolidation of peace within a context marked by the full implementation of decentralization.

The participants were drawn from the Far North, North, Adamawa, East, North West and South West regions shared their various experiences in conflict situations in their communities and how they went about seeking solutions.

Thus, according to the organizers, the workshop was aimed at ensuring the integration of human rights, gender and youth aspects in peace building initiatives, both at central and local levels.

“Women most often act as counselors while youth are most often the victims of all the atrocities in conflict zones. It is thus important to give them the necessary tools to prepare them not only to face conflicts but also to receive and support youth and families living in these areas affected by conflicts,” Atikatou Alhadji, a facilitator from the Ministry of Decentralisation and Local Development said.

During four days of brainstorming, participants, participants focused on three themes with the main aim of drawing up a strategy to get various social groups involved in the process to consolidate peace as decentralisation is being accelerated.

“We have to continue exploring the various modalities and mechanisms to get vulnerable and sensitive layers of our communities involved in the peace-building process of our country. We equally have to continue laying emphasis on the important role women can play in the consolidation of peace,” the Senior Divisional Officer of the Mvila Division who opened &deliberations said.