DDR counts achievements at 7th anniversary.

Fai Yengo has also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fulfilling all the missions assigned it from creation. 

This was during a ceremony at its Yaounde head-office last Wednesday. 

It was attended by a representative from the Presidency of the Republic, the UNICEF Cameroon Country Director, Nadine Perrault, amongst other officials.

In his keynote address, the DDR boss said the seventh anniversary is an insightful moment to testify the resilience, commitment and vision of a nation resolutely focused on peace building and social cohesion.

“In almost seven years of its existence, the NDDRC has established itself as a key player in stability and development in Cameroon. Its journey has been marked by challenges, successes and valuable lessons learnt,” Fai Yengo said. 

While underlining the vital importance of its mission and the solidarity that unite them in the noble work of peace building, he acknowledged the sacrifices that need to be made to navigate through the challenges and unwaveringly work for a united, peaceful and prosperous Cameroon.

“Its creation was not a simple administrative measure, but a strategic and bold response to the security and social challenges posed by ex-combatants of Boko Haram in the Far North and armed groups operating in the North West and South West Regions,” he stated.

Over 3,500 fighters adhere to peace call

According to Fai Yengo Francis, more separatist fighters in the North West and South West Regions and Boko Haram fighters in the Far North Region are adhering to the peace call of the Head of State, Paul Biya, dropping their arms and joining DDR Centres for their demolisation and reintegration.

To date, he said, some 3,586 ex-combatants have voluntarily dropped their arms and are in DDR centres in the Far North, North West and South West Regions.

He disclosed that among the ex-combatants are 1,669 men, 799 women, and 1,118 children who have benefited from comprehensive care; including psychosocial support, vocational training, and reintegration assistance.

Fai Yengo said hundreds have already been reintegrated into communities and are contributing to local development through income-generating activities.

Re-echoes Biya’s peace call

He also used the event to reiterate President Biya’s peace call to Boko Haram and separatist fighters still in the bushes. Fai Yengo said the Regional Centres of Bamenda, Buea and Mora are readily available to receive and facilitate the social reintegration of all who voluntarily lay down their arms. 

“I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to reiterate the peace offer of the Head of State and send an appeal to the traditional and religious authorities and to all people of goodwill to support the efforts of the administrative authorities by raising awareness among members of armed groups so that they seize this opportunity to return to normal life,” Fai Yengo appealed.

Zooms on progress made

Fai Yengo said the DDR has, since its creation, recorded many achievements, especially in the area of infrastructure and capacity building, human support and care, community engagement, and international cooperation. 

Infrastructure wise, he said three ultra-modern DDR Centres have been constructed and fully equipped in the North West, South West and Far North Regions. 

He added that vehicles and rolling stock have also been provided to strengthen operations while DDR staff have been capacitated, and a robust DDR procedural manual developed.

Also, boreholes have been built in Tiko and Méri, while Mémé village has been electrified thanks to the DDR.

In terms of community engagement and reintegration, Fai Yengo pointed out that 708 ex-Boko Haram combatants have effectively been reintegrated into the society and frameworks for community dialogue and reconciliation established. 

Also, safe spaces for mental health have been constructed and psychosocial support within the Gender Youth Peace Initiatives established.

In terms of human support, he assured that schooling of children at both Secondary and Higher Education levels have been provided alongside vocational training in agriculture, animal husbandry, sewing, and hairdressing, with the provision of teaching materials. 

Meanwhile, he said over 2,500 Nigerians and Chadians at the DDR Centre in the Far North have been repatriated through diplomatic means. 

“Our journey would not have been possible without the collaboration of our international partners. Their expertise and support have enriched our approaches, strengthened our resilience, and anchored our work in international best practice,” he noted.

Donation to DDR centres

The seventh anniversary ceremony was also marked by the handing over of some materials to the three DDR Centres.

The donation included rolling stock and training equipment for small trades such as agriculture, sewing, amongst others. 

“This handover of equipment is more than just a logistical act; it is a tangible symbol of the determination of the Head of State, His Excellency Mr Paul Biya, to strengthen the operational capacities of our structures on the ground, where the need is most pressing and where lives are being transformed,” he declared.

He also described the donated equipment as ‘vectors of hope,’ which serve as tools for supporting and accompanying the beneficiaries of DDR process.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3561 of Thursday September 11, 2025