Bamenda DDR Centre: Ex-Fighters, Young Parliamentarians Commune

A delegation of 10 Young Parliamentarians members of the North West Youth Parliamentary Network on August 11, 2026 visited the Ba­ menda Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) Centre in Bafut. Here, they communed with, encouraged the ex-fighters on their role in contributing to the return to peace and development the North West Region, gave them lessons on how to succeed in life irrespective of their circumstances and handed gifts to the ex-fighters. The Young Parliamentarians were received by the Coordinator of the Bamenda DDR Centre, Kum Henry Echu, who used the occasion to express grati­ tude to the Young Parliamentarians he described as ambassadors in pea­ cebuilding. He told them that since creation, the Centre has had more the 2,000 ex-fighters and that at moment it was accommodation 705 ex-fighters including women and children. It remains a memorable visit as the Young Parliamentarians shared experiences which encourage the ex-fighters on their path to peace, self-development and inte­ gration into the political landscape of the country. Talking to the press after the ex­ changes, the Coordinator of the DDR Centre said, “The visit means a lot. Considering that they are young people of almost the same age group, it was important for them to be able to exchange. It was also im­ portant for the Young Parliamenta­ rians who have aspirations to be able to transmit their zeal to the young people who are in the Centre and to encourage the ones who are here for holding peace in the North West.” Mr Kum said, “I appreciate it very much and I believe very strongly that as these young people are lea­ ving today, the situation will not be the same and discussions will not be the same at the Centre.”...