Closing of the special hangout and celebration of Youth Day with the Cameroonian Diaspora in Russia.
🪧 National Museum Yaounde
🗓️ Saturday 08 February 2025.
The indefatigable MOUNOUNA FOUTSOU, family doctor to the young, well installed for the closing of exchanges with the Cameroonian Diaspora in Russia.
A word from Louis GOUEND, President of the Cameroonian Diaspora in Russia
Minister, we in the Diaspora thank you for everything you are doing to facilitate the participation of the Diaspora in the process of rebuilding Cameroon.
The Diaspora, through me, would also like to thank you for this initiative, which enables the Diaspora to commemorate Youth Day with Cameroonian youth.
Thank you for accepting our invitation.
📸 Summary of interventions - Phase 2
1. Mr YOKO Yves Freddy (IOM Representative): Role of the IOM and perception of the diaspora
Mr Yoko Yves Freddy described the role of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in managing migration and promoting the diaspora. He stressed that :
IOM supports governments in developing sustainable migration policies, with an emphasis on regular migration and the protection of migrants.
The organisation plays a key role in the return and reintegration of migrants by offering them psychosocial, financial and entrepreneurial support.
The diaspora is seen as a strategic player in development, and it is essential to strengthen its involvement in national projects.
2. Mr Franklin EPAPE (Canada): Actions of the Canadian diaspora for the development of Cameroon
Mr Franklin EPAPE shared the initiatives of the Cameroonian diaspora in Canada, focusing on :
Investment in key sectors such as education, health and technological innovation.
Mentoring and skills transfer, enabling young Cameroonians to access better opportunities and realise their potential.
Working with the Cameroonian authorities to develop large-scale projects, particularly through public-private partnerships and associations.
3. Mr Louis GOUEND (Russia): Contributions of the Russian diaspora to the development of Cameroon
M. Louis GOUEND a présenté les efforts de la diaspora camerounaise en Russie, notamment :
The role of Cameroonians in Russia in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the economic and academic fields.
The development of communication and investment platforms, such as the HelloAfrica.ru magazine, which promotes business opportunities between Russia and Africa.
Support for young Cameroonians in Russia, through solidarity networks and training tailored to the needs of the job market.
📌 Key points from this phase
IOM supports migration policies and promotes the safe return of migrants.
The Cameroonian diaspora in Canada and Russia actively contributes to the country's development through investments, skills transfers and cooperation initiatives.
Strengthening the links between the diaspora and Cameroon is essential to maximise the impact of these contributions.
This second phase highlighted the importance of structured mobilisation of the diaspora and the role of international organisations in supporting migrants and integrating them into Cameroon's development process.
📸 Summary of discussions with the Cameroonian diaspora
Following the official speeches, an interactive exchange gave young Cameroonians from the diaspora, present in the room and connected online from Russia and Canada, the opportunity to express their commitments, concerns and expectations regarding their return and their integration into Cameroonian society.
1. Concerns and expectations of young people in the diaspora
Tatiana Denseh Kusi, a young Cameroonian living in Russia, stressed the need for the government to take clear and specific decisions, notably through decrees and legislation, in order to better structure the involvement of the diaspora in national development.
Another young expatriate in Belgium highlighted the difficulties of finding a job in Cameroon, citing the many obstacles and barriers that make returning home difficult.
2. Willingness to get involved and recognition of the government's efforts
Despite these challenges, all stakeholders have expressed their willingness and enthusiasm to contribute to Cameroon's socio-economic development, provided that appropriate measures are put in place to facilitate their involvement.
They also acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Youth and Civic Education (MINJEC) through the Programme d'Appui au Retour et à l'Insertion des Jeunes de la Diaspora (PARI-JEDI), which is an important lever for their integration.
This exchange highlighted the need for legal and structural recognition of the contribution made by the diaspora, as well as the need to strengthen support mechanisms in order to encourage young expatriates to return and participate more effectively in Cameroon's development.
📸 Recommendations
At the end of the discussions, all the recommendations resulting from the activity are aimed at :
To the Government of Cameroon:
1. The introduction of a specific national identity card for Cameroonian entrepreneurs in the Diaspora.
2. Advocacy for the adoption of a law governing productive investment by the diaspora.
3. The involvement of the diaspora in negotiations between the Cameroonian government and the host countries of its diaspora.
To the government and the diaspora:
4. Making Youth Day a permanent event in the diaspora and extending it to other parts of the world where the diaspora is strongly represented.
These recommendations aim to strengthen the participation of the diaspora in Cameroon's development.
Interview de Tatiana DENSEH Kusi, diaspora camerounaise en Russie
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