French Ambassador assures Cameroonian youths of continuous support.

The event was organised to send forth old and welcome new officials of the Council for Monitoring the Recommendations of the New Africa-France Summit, popularly known by its French abbreviation CNSAF.

Ambassador Marchand expressed satisfaction with the work of the outgone team of CNSAF in the last two years. He urged them to continue with the work they have been doing in their new assignment.

The diplomat told the new team to have a fresh perspective in relation to the country’s challenges and proffer innovative solutions. 

“Ensure that the machine continues to turn. You have an obligation to do better, to make sure that progress is made, and to exceed your objectives. You have a blank page, use it well,” the ambassador stated.

He further underscored the need for the new council members to be optimistic, reiterating that: “We will continue to invest in Cameroon. All you have to do is tell us what you want to do for your country, and you have our support”. 

Enter outgone CNSAF President

The outgone CNSAF president, Jacques Jonathan Nyemb, expressed gratitude to embassy officials for the trust bestowed on him and his council in the last two years. Nyemb congratulated the incoming team, promising to support them.

Nyemb told reporters that CNSAF is a platform for sharing, advocacy, training and experimenting that has brought together 80 actors, voluntarily engaged all over the territory. 

He said today, CNSAF has an ecosystem of over 400,000 persons across Cameroon, France and Europe working towards identifying and solving common challenges.

The now former leader cited involvement in Citizen Action to encourage reflection and citizen’s participation in nation building in Cameroon and France.

“Today, the world is going through geopolitical, political, economic and social changes, so we need to ask ourselves how we can change the paradigm to which the world views Africa,” Nyemb underscored, adding that: “Africa cannot be defined as pro-France, Russia, and china. Africa has to define itself, and propose to the world its models, its realities, and show the world its capabilities, and join global discussions on climate change, health among others”.

He concluded that CNSAF has as mission to promote Africa as a continent with cultural and natural wealth, that has confidence in its own possibilities.

Vision of new president

New CNSAF president, Dr Hemes Nkwa, pointed out that the first plan of action of the new bureau will be to complete all what has been put in place.

The council for the next two years, Dr Nkwa said will move closer to the population all the over the national territory. 

“We have four local hubs that will accompany projects put in place by youth, civil societies, among others,” she underscored.

Dr Nkwa added that to attain its objectives the council will collaborate with other actors and councils. 

“The council’s principal objective is to support and accompany youth led, youth-centric initiatives and projects in the domains of entrepreneurship, job creation, creative industries, tech and innovation, governance among others. CNSAF will make the voice of young people and civil society heard wherever the need arises” she said.

About CNSAF

The Council for Monitoring the Recommendations of the New Africa-France Summit, CNSAF, is a platform for exchanges, advocacy, training, and synergies. 

It brings together Cameroonian and French civil society actors whose ambition is to work towards redefining relations between Cameroon and France on one hand, and between Africa and Europe on the other.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3179 of Thursday July 25, 2024