To mark 2026 Int’l Day of Peace: Parliament recommits to make peacebuilding legislative priority.

The event also brought together officials of the United Nations system in Cameroon and other partners. Also present were schoolchildren, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society actors, religious and traditional leaders, among others.

The commemoration held at the National Assembly under the theme: “Invest in Peace-For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”. Discussions focused on the role of Parliament in promoting and sustaining peace in the country.

Opening the event on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker, Hon Mary Muyali Boya epse Meboka, said Parliament’s role in peacebuilding extends to legislation, oversight of government action and decisions on how public resources are allocated. 

She explained that Parliament must also remain a forum where differences are addressed through debate, deliberation and compromise rather than confrontation.

“Parliament has a particular responsibility in this regard to ensure that the concerns of citizens are heard, the appropriate legislative measures are considered, and that public action contributes to a safer, more just, and more cohesive society,” Hon Meboka said.

She added that the country’s experience of conflict, displacement, disruption to education and social division requires peacebuilding commitments to translate into decisions, stronger institutions and dedicated resources.

She also drew attention to violence against women and children, noting that responses should include reporting mechanisms, protection and support for victims, justice and stronger coordination between law enforcement, health, justice and social services.

“Peace cannot be delegated to one institution. Government has a role, Parliament has a role, the United Nations, civil society, religious and traditional authorities, teachers, families and communities all have roles. Most importantly, every citizen has a role,” the Deputy Speaker underscored. 

UN outlines four roles for Parliament

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cameroon, Dr Issa Sanogo, said the commemoration marked the first time both legislative chambers are coming together around the country’s peace agenda. He identified legislation, oversight, representation and dialogue, and budget scrutiny as areas through which lawmakers can contribute.

According to Dr Sanogo, Parliament can consider laws that take conflict risks into account, use oversight to place peace at the centre of public action and use lawmakers’ links with their constituencies to promote dialogue. He said budget scrutiny could also ensure resources are allocated to peacebuilding.

The official said the UN plans to work with lawmakers on capacity building, dialogue and exchanges with legislators from other countries. He noted that activities and training are expected to continue through the end of the year.

“The best investment for peace is investment in prevention. Early action, promoting dialogue, promoting confidence, trust building and working together to preserve national cohesion and national peace is paramount,” Dr Sanogo told reporters.

The UN official also cited Gender-based Violence, femicide and infanticide among issues requiring attention, alongside insecurity affecting the Far North, North West and South West Regions. 

He said parliamentarians can contribute through legislation, allocation of resources and early-warning mechanisms.

Peace project targets children

The commemoration also featured an academic peace initiative led by the Itaka Escolapios Foundation and the Piarist Fathers. 

Rev. Father Kebei-Ghongson Afoukeze Peter explained that the project, “Building Peace Together: From the Chalkboard to the Community”, seeks to introduce peacebuilding through education and encourage children to carry those values into their communities.

He said the initiative has received support from the Basque Government in Spain, while the United Nations and Parliament are accompanying the effort.

“We felt that it is important to contribute to our nation-building by sowing seeds of peace and development in the hearts of the young. When children are educated from the base, it is very obvious that their lives will be remarkable to the nation as well as to the entire globe,” Rev Fr Kebei-Ghongson said. 

MPs weigh in

Some lawmakers used the event to call for peacebuilding to extend from national institutions to families and neighbourhoods. 

Senator Emma Lafon said peace should not be understood only as the absence of war, but should include people feeling safe in their communities. She called on citizens to report violence rather than remain silent when incidents occur around them.

“We should report violence when we see it and preach peace even to our neighbours. We need to see something and say something about violence,” Hon Lafon said.

On her part, Hon Injoh Prudencia said peace is the main goal for sustainable development. She stressed that conflict can redirect resources that would otherwise be available for infrastructure and basic services.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3918 of Wednesday September 23, 2026