Gov’t celebrates persons with disabilities, pledges more inclusion, empowerment.

The fresh commitment to make inclusion a daily reality, a foundation of national cohesion and a symbol of the country’s social maturity, was made in Yaounde Wednesday by the Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irene Nguene. 

The minister has also underscored the need for a change in perception to remove barriers and prejudices that prevent persons with disabilities from fully contributing to national development. 

She was speaking during a ceremony to mark the 34^th edition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, commemorated under the theme: “Innovation for inclusion: Building inclusive communities together”. 

The event, held at the esplanade of the Military Headquarters Brigade, was organised by the Ministry of Social Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, MINDEF. 

The Secretary General at the Ministry of Defence, Saïd Kamsoouloum, represented Minister Joseph Beti Assomo at the ceremony which was attended by other members of government, top brass of the military, government’s partner organisations as well as huge crowd of persons with disabilities. 

In her address, Minister Irene Nguene said aside reflecting on the challenges of persons with disabilities, the event is a unique opportunity to reaffirm the national commitment of building an inclusive society. 

“It implies rethinking our ways of acting, reviewing our public policies, and opening our institutions further to the real needs of disabled persons,” she stated, insisting that the environment must no longer be a “factor of exclusion” but “a lever for participation, a pillar of autonomy, and a vector of personal fulfilment”. 

Aside citing a plethora of actions undertaken to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities, Minister Irene Nguene said under the high impulse of President Biya, government is resolutely continuing the implementation of a policy of social justice, national solidarity, and inclusive development.

Such continuous actions, she stated, is in line with the pledged to guarantee better living condition and improved access to basic social services for all, which President Biya made to compatriots in his November 6, 2025, inaugural address. 

“It is now up to us to reinforce this dynamic, to amplify the achievements, and to accelerate the necessary reforms,” she said, while urging all to guarantee that all persons with disabilities are fully integrated into training, empowerment, and civic participation programmes.

She said the theme of this year’s commemoration, reminds every actor in the chain of care for disabled persons, of the relevance of building a better future, equality, use of collaborative and innovative decision-making processes, while eliminating physical and social obstacles that impede the full participation of disabled persons at all stages.

She also urged all actors to depart from the old habits of integration, reinvent in mentalities by changing perspective towards disabled persons and community inclusion actions as well as adopt strategies and actions that value and respect the capacities of disabled persons. 

“This implies concrete efforts to adapt, both the physical and digital environment, so that disabled persons can have access to spaces, places, activities, events, opportunities, and resources of the community,” she stated.

The minister called on all actors to ensure that the concerns and needs of persons with disabilities are taken into account. 

She said particular emphasis must be placed on capacity building and empowerment for young people and women with disability, who, in addition to their disability, may face age or gender discrimination, heavier family responsibility among other challenges. 

She also used the occasion to salute the potential, expertise and resilience of persons with disabilities displayed through different activities during the ceremony. 

“Your courage is an inspiration. Your determination is the living testament that difference is never a weakness but a richness for the nation. Your expectations are legitimate. Your grievances are heard, and your aspirations are shared. Be aware that the State, its institutions, its partners, and its committed actors remain by your side to continue the path of equality and dignity,” she assured. 

Minister Irene Nguene also expressed gratitude to her colleague of the ministry of defence for hosting the celebration for the second time consecutively. 

Enter other speakers 

Speaking earlier during the event, representative of persons with disabilities, Djouogo Caroline Laure, saluted the efforts made so far by government and its partners to ensure inclusion

She used the opportunity to cite challenges still faced by persons with disabilities, including limited access to education, vocational training and employment, mobility barriers, inaccessible housing, violence among others. 

On his part, the President of FAP Handisport, Navy Captain Belinga Aserne, expressed gratitude to the military hierarchy and the State for series of projects carried out to improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities within the defence forces. 

He said the celebration is a time to reflect on the condition of persons with disability and valorise their expertise in different sectors more than before. 

Officials of the Mbalmayo Council in the Centre Region, which won the award of most inclusive council in the country last year, used the ceremony to share best practices on promoting inclusion within municipalities. 

The event, aminated by music band of the army and artists, featured sporting competitions and award of prizes to the most inclusive councils in the country by the ministry and other partners.  

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3645 of Thursday December 04, 2025