Young Cameroonian Writers Honoured for Promoting National Unity and Combating Fake News
Six young Cameroonian writers have been honoured at the end of the National Youth Writing Competition organised by the Ministry of Arts and Culture. The prize award ceremony took place this Monday, May 11, 2026, at the National Museum in Yaounde. Selected out of 80 participants from the 10 regions of the country, the winners […]
Selected out of 80 participants from the 10 regions of the country, the winners aged between 16 and 35 distinguished themselves through short stories and poems centered on two major themes: the fight against fake news on social media and the promotion of national unity.
Through their writings, the young authors denounced misinformation, manipulation and the growing influence of deceptive online content targeting young people. At the same time, they highlighted values, traditions and everyday experiences that strengthen social cohesion and peaceful coexistence among Cameroonians.
Members of the jury, made up of writers and education professionals, praised the creativity, originality and depth reflected in many of the submissions. However, they also expressed concern over the excessive use of artificial intelligence tools by some candidates, stressing the need to preserve authenticity and personal creativity in literary production.
Organisers say the competition is part of efforts to revitalise the book sector by encouraging creative writing among young people while promoting reading culture across the country.
The initiative also seeks to use literature as a tool for civic education and national integration at a time when misinformation on digital platforms continues to pose challenges to social harmony.
Egoh Yvonne (Intern)