Arts and culture ministry endorses FATEJ festival in Yaoundé.

The official endorsement was conveyed on Wednesday, December 10, during an audience granted by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mkpatt, to Etoundi Zeyang, the Festival Director. The meeting took place at the ministry’s conference room in Yaoundé.

In its 15th edition, the biennial FATEJ festival commenced on Saturday, December 6, and ended Friday, December 12, 2025. This year’s programme was uniquely decentralised, extending beyond the capital to include activities in parts of the Centre Region such as Ngoumou, Mbankomo and Mfou.

Festival activities included theatrical performances, professional workshops, networking sessions, cultural animations and public debates, all dedicated to young audiences.

Founded in 1996 in Yaoundé and Douala, FATEJ was established with the core mission of cultivating a new generation of theatre enthusiasts. The 2025 edition underscored this international vision, and brought together theatre artistes from across Africa and Europe, including France, Ireland, Germany, Lithuania, Chad, and Spain.

Addressing Minister Bidoung Mkpatt and his collaborators during the audience, Etoundi Zeyang emphasised the formative power of theatre. 

“I believe that what a child does not learn in school can be learned through theatre, for theatre is life and strength,” Zeyang stated. 

He praised the Minister’s efforts to elevate Cameroonian culture and appealed for sustained institutional backing for the festival.

In his response, Minister Bidoung Mkpatt expressed his admiration and appreciation for Zeyang’s enduring commitment to youth arts education. 

“I salute the international guests for coming to share their expertise with our artistes. Cameroon values your presence and your wellbeing is our priority”, the Minister said.

Minister Bidoung Mkpatt offered concrete assurances of the ministry’s partnership. 

“The Ministry of Arts and Culture will accompany you throughout this edition and beyond. I am confident future editions will build on this success,” he concluded.

The ministry’s endorsement is expected to bolster the festival’s reach and impact, reinforcing its role as a pivotal platform for cultural exchange and creative development for youth in Cameroon. 

By Albert Njebusi    

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3656 of Monday December 15, 2025