In some African countries, non-nationals are trying to strengthen social cohesion by organising community or recreational activities, as a means of fostering links between their fellow countrymen, other foreign residents and the local population. In Benin, the Cameroonian community organised a series of activities to commemorate Cameroon’s Youth Day on 11 February. The aim was to strengthen the ties between its members and encourage an inter-community melting pot.

“Tonight is important for those who are being referred to as the ‘foreigners’ in this country… Are the ‘nations of the continent’ in attendance this evening?” With these words, the events manager adorning the colours of Cameroonian, declared the programme open at the SOWETO sports centre in Cotonou, on Saturday 8 February 2025 evening. The speech was delivered in both French and English, the two official languages of Cameroon. The event marked the first edition of the Cameroon Youth Festival, held in Benin in the margins of the 59th Youth Festival. This significant event coincided with the anniversary of the referendum that united the English- and French-speaking regions of Cameroon on 11 February 1961. The event featured a wide range of musical genres, including gospel, variety, rap, as well as awareness-raising, creating an atmosphere of conviviality.

The event is being organised to promote cohesion within the Cameroonian community in Benin, which has been divided since the last elections to the Council of Cameroonians Resident in Benin (CCRB). The organisers told Dialogue Migration that their aim was to encourage young Cameroonians living in Benin to overcome their differences and be united.

“Our vision for the young people through this event is to reconcile Cameroonians in Benin  (…) We young people do not want divisions and are opting for the reconciliation of all young Cameroonians in Benin and the Cameroon population, in general, considering the conflict and related problems in the Anglophone areas. Our vision and dream is that peace will reign among Cameroonians both in Benin and in Cameroon’, says Serge Maxime Toupo, president of the Young Cameroonians in Benin. Born in Benin to a Beninese mother, he left for Cameroon at the age of 3 and has since returned to Benin for nearly 24 years now. ‘In Benin, as long as you don’t violate the law, you won’t encounter any problems’, the president of the  Cameroonian Youth in Benin reassures his audience.

Strengthen the interaction among young residents in Benin

By organising this first Youth Festival in Benin, the Cameroonian community living in Benin aims to bring young Cameroonians together to share their experiences with young Beninese and people from other countries. 

‘All the young people who pass through here (in Benin, editor’s note) are not here on an adventure. Benin welcomes everyone, and most of the young people you see here are students. There is a world of talent to be harnessed. We urge young people to team up so that we can bring out the best in ourselves and return to our countries to serve our national interests’, urges Toupo. 

According to Yves Henri Ebakisse, CCRB Head of Communications and Commissioner General for the organisation of the event, the emphasis on this occasion was on the youth, because for Cameroon, the youth symbolise the spearhead. ‘Simply put, we’re never far from our roots, and we hold on fast to our values, so much so that even when we’re here, we still embrace those values. Hence the importance of this event,’ he underscored.

Branding and integration

From the podium to the audience and the reception service to the catering etc., the blending between Cameroon and Benin was perfectly reflected. From the event’s partners, the artistic performances, the guests: everything was a perfect blend. Beninese, Chadians, Central Africans, Congolese, Gabonese, Ivorians… all turned up. The event was so warmly welcomed in Cotonou that it all reflected in the appreciation demonstated  by members of the different communities. 

‘’As Beninese people, their actions have given us food for thought. Some remarkable things are actually taking place. We need to reciprocate the things we find good and admire in others. Of course, things are not predominantly all roses, nevertheless, there are lessons to be learnt,” Tchessi Fassassi, the Beninese who runs the fitness centre, stated. In his opinion, interaction with other communities allows us to assess ourselves in areas such as art, culture, sport, and other areas. He also sees it as a subtle way of passing on the baton to the younger generation, given that the new generation must be connected to the old.

‘’It’s a very good initiative, and it has made it possible for me to discover the other communities present – Chadian, Gabonese, Congolese… and to strengthen our ties and make contacts in the event that one day we may find ourselves in that particular country, and this could prove really useful,‘’ maintains Telesphore Biansere-Ongtiga, a young Central African.

For Moïse Fooba, a young Chadian, “If only each community could organize such events, not only in Benin but in every country to mark their presence, it would be beneficial for Africa. This will allow people from different countries to learn about each other’s cultures.”

Ali Djeroua Tarsa, a young Chadian, was impressed: ‘’Showcasing your culture abroad is enriching. It’s a way of marketing your country abroad. As the saying goes, culture is wealth.’ 

André Erasme Mayatela Kimbembe, President of the Congolese (Brazzaville) community  in Benin, had this to say: ‘The Cameroonian community wanted to seize the opportunity of this event to showcase  Cameroonian youth in Benin. He believes that cultural interaction implies that we no longer need to be wary of each other, because prejudices are a global phenomenon. But by coming together, we not only discover each other’s qualities, but also our imperfections. 

“As far as I’m concerned, as long as we continue to reject what have been labeled as bad or flawed qualities, the world will never evolve. We must accept others for their weaknesses, and this is what will bring about change in the world.” he maintains.

Kimbembe believes that this event also serves to show that there is a brotherly people who have come from elsewhere and are united with the people of Benin, and that they must be accepted

The Cameroonian youth’s initiative has stirred the ego of certain other communities who are now eager to organise similar events, and are already advertising their intentions. In addition the night of festivities also featured the discovery of Cameroonian cuisine, a Miss and Mister Youth pageant, fitness sessions, a gala match, a blood donation session at the teaching hospital CNHU, the country’s largest hospital and a sanitation campaign.