Santa Elite, Traditional Rulers Hail Iris Zoum Tandong for Mobilising Youths for Peace and Development

By Martial Gnoukapasir 

Mezam II Santa YCPDM Section President, IRIS Zoum Tandong

Elites, political leaders and traditional authorities in Santa have praised Iris Zoum Tandong, President of the Mezam II (Santa) Section of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) Youth Wing, for his massive mobilisation of young people in support of peace, development and the party.

The commendations came on Saturday, October 24, 2026, during the Mezam II Santa YCPDM Section Conference, which brought together party officials, traditional authorities, elites and youths to celebrate their political engagement and discuss preparations for upcoming national political events.

Speakers at the conference commended Tandong for bringing young people together and encouraging their participation in peacebuilding and community development. They urged him to sustain the momentum, particularly as the country approaches the 44th anniversary of President Paul Biya's accession to power on November 6 and the forthcoming municipal and parliamentary elections expected next Year.

The first was member of Parliament for the Santa–Mezam South Constituency, Hon. Kumase Simon Powoh, who supported brought along medical equipment worth over 15million frs as announced. He described the YCPDM youth leader as charismatic and dynamic.

Among the speakers as well was Ntumfor Fru Jonathan, current Secretary General at the Ministry of Mines, an elite of Santa and former CPDM Section President, who praised Tandong for his mobilisation efforts and acknowledged the role played by Santa youths in promoting peace during the early days of the ongoing crisis in the North West Region.

He recalled that Santa youths were among the first to denounce violence when the crisis began, highlighting their contribution to efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the community.

Fru Jonathan also referred to the emergence of the Santa Peace Force and the mobilisation efforts sustained over the years, which he said helped strengthen the CPDM's political presence in the area.

He cited the party's electoral performance as evidence of the community's mobilisation capacity, referring to the votes recorded for the CPDM and President Paul Biya during recent elections.

Ntumfor Fru Jonathan

Ntumfor Fru Jonathan praising IRIS Zoum Tandong

Congratulating Tandong, the former section president publicly held his hand before the audience in a gesture of recognition and encouragement.

He further expressed confidence in the commitment of Santa youths ahead of the next electoral cycle, saying their mobilisation was sending a message that they intended to give their support to the CPDM in come 2027.

Fru Jonathan called on the youths to take their responsibilities seriously and remain committed to the peace and development of their community.

motion of support addressed to President Biya, leader of the CPDM party

The current CPDM Section President for Santa, Mbah Shupong Michael, also congratulated Tandong and his team for the successful gathering.

He expressed appreciation to the YCPDM National President, Auguste Essomba, for attending the conference and encouraging the youths, while commending the host section president for the work accomplished.

Mbah Shupong urged the youths to sustain their mobilisation efforts, stressing the importance of humility, honesty and respect for the guidance of older party members.

He encouraged Tandong and his team to remain attentive to the advice of their elders while continuing to engage young people in activities that promote peace, unity and development.

Mbah Shupong Michael, CPDM Mezam II Section President

The section president also called on the youths to demonstrate the same level of commitment during the celebration of President Biya's 44th anniversary in office on November 6, 2026.

With the anniversary coming just months before the anticipated February 2027 municipal and parliamentary elections, he stressed the need for the section to maintain its mobilisation drive and prepare for the political challenges ahead.

One of the highlights of the conference was the traditional blessing of Iris Zoum Tandong by the Fons of the Santa Kingdom in recognition of his efforts to mobilise young people.

During the traditional ceremony, Tandong drank from a traditional cup and received blessings and fortification from the traditional rulers.

IRIS Zoum Tandong receiving ancestral blessings

The Fons explained that the ritual was intended to confer power, love and protection on him as he continued his efforts to mobilise Santa youths for peace and development.

They emphasised that peace remained essential to the progress of Santa, urging Tandong and the young people to maintain their commitment to peaceful coexistence and community development.

The traditional authorities also encouraged him to sustain the mobilisation drive ahead of the November 6 anniversary celebration of President Paul Biya, calling for the same enthusiasm and participation demonstrated during the section conference.

The conference concluded with the adoption of a motion of support for President Paul Biya and the leadership of the CPDM.

The motion underscored the commitment expressed by participants to continue supporting the party and strengthening its grassroots presence in Santa.

Motion of support to president Paul Biya, leader of the CPDM party

Beyond the political declarations, the gathering provided an opportunity for party leaders, traditional authorities and young people to recognise the role of youth mobilisation in peacebuilding and community development.

For Tandong, the commendations from political elites, party officials and traditional rulers represented an endorsement of his leadership and a call to sustain the mobilisation of young people as Santa prepares for the November anniversary celebration and the upcoming electoral cycle.