Cameroon marked the 30th edition of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples on August 9th, with a focus on access to citizenship, social services, and political involvement. Minister Pauline Irene Nguene emphasized the importance of ensuring indigenous voices are heard and valued.
Promoting Indigenous Rights
The day serves as a reminder of the need to promote the rights of indigenous peoples, including the Baka, Bakola, Bagyeli, Bedzan, and Mbororo communities. Their identity and way of life are deeply connected to their territories and natural resources.
Challenges and Opportunities
Amadou ADAMOU, National President of MBOSCUDA, highlighted the challenges faced by indigenous communities, including their unique lifestyle and need for assistance, information, and education. He thanked the government for providing identification cards, birth certificates, and fostering education.
Government Initiatives
Minister Nguene outlined the government’s ambition to reinforce the promotion of individual and collective rights through systematic access to civil status, political participation, and biodiversity conservation. She acknowledged the challenges in registering births in indigenous communities and assured the population of cross-cutting actions to ensure their development.
This year’s theme, “Access to Citizenship: a Fundamental Right for Indigenous Peoples,” was celebrated in Cameroon with a commitment to ensuring indigenous peoples’ voices are heard and valued.
Che Tembuck
