Bamenda DDR Centre : Reintegration Process Taking Shape

When the President of the North West Regional Assembly Professor Fru Angwafo III and his delegation paid the first-ever visit to the Bamenda Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) at the permanent site in Bafut on January 3, 2024, they were welcomed by a thrilling dance group.  
One of the leaders of the dance group, Nsam Beatrice said it is called the “Peace Dance.” Ex-combatants in the centre perform the dance during festivities like Christmas and New Year and to welcome personalities. The message the dancers convey is that of their wish for peace to reign everywhere.  The organization of the dance group is part of the socio-cultural activities the ex-associates carry out in preparation for their reintegration in society. The dance group is just a tip of the iceberg of activities in the centre. The authorities constructed a befitting chapel. The Religious Prefect Nsam Beatrice disclosed that they have Church activities that run from Monday to Sunday. She said that on December 31, 2023 they organised a cross-over night during which they had lessons on reconciliation and also took New Year resolutions.
The over 442 ex-fighters moved in to the ultra-modern centre only on July 14, 2023. The Coordinator of the Bamenda DDR Centre, Kum Henry Echu said the ambiance at the centre is picking up steam as a good number of ex-associates have engaged in petty business ventures as well as farming.  They are being trained in trades such as tailoring, hair dressing, livestock breeding, carpentry, computer literacy and basic education. Reintegration in society requires that the ex-associates regain their normal nature and that is why psycho-social and spiritual counseling goes on simultaneously with other activities.
Beside the refectory is found a booming business centre with operational bars and restaurants, shed where clothes are sold and other basic necessities. The businesses are operated by ex-fighters....