CCMN Members Draw New Lessons From Conflict In Anglophone Regions.

By Martial Gnoukapasi

Photo credit- Primus Ayeh

Cross section of members analyzing impact of crisis on population.

North West Chapter Members of the Cameroon Community Media Network(CCMN)-a network of media men and women that have embraced the humanitarian approach to news reporting in an attempt to minimize the negative effects of the conflict in the north west and south west regions of Cameroon, have taken a firm commitment to raise more awareness on the need to protect young girls especially Idp's against sexual exploitation and abuse.

They took the commitment, tuesday Nov.17th during one of their routine network meetings in Bamenda.

 The members also took out time to look at the impact of the crisis on the political, economic and socio-cultural lifestyle of the people in the region and beyond.

Group I Analysis

Their analysis of the conflict within a timeframe of over 3 months revealed that though there's been a gradual recovery in economic activities, some basic commodities are becoming scarce while others were witnessing a sharp  increase in price like eggs.

They also agreed they've been an increase in enrollment in schools this year, though cases of threats and kidnaps like was the case with parents and teachers of Presbyterian primary school in kumbo, keeps coming up.

The decision restricting the circulation of bikes within the urban centres has reduced cases of kidnaps for ransom they say.

Group work

Despite recognizing the fact that most cultural festivities in the villages were still suffering from blackouts, CCMN members also acknowledged that traditional authorities were making efforts to re-access their fondoms.

The crisis has also produce more internally displaced persons, majority of whom are young girls that have become more vulnerable as they strive to survive.

It was in light of the above that these media professionals also took stock of their own activities, assessing their role in mitigating the effects of the crisis.

Group II Analysis

Their revision ended with the below resolutions;

- Continues sensitization on the responsible use of social media platforms.

- Provide more space for peace discussions and engaged in community outreach programs geared towards building and sustaining peace.

- Develop more content in local languages to facilitate understanding of action plans by  communities, to name just this few.

CCMN national coordinator Roseline Akah Onah

CCMN north west regional coordinator Mrs Akah Roseline Obah, called on the members to intensify sensitization on the Covid-19 pandemic as they benefited face masks from the Centre for Strategic Communication, Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development (CESCOMSUD).