By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
A significant number of young people who took part in the 60th Youth Day celebrations on February 11 have reportedly fallen ill after participating under heavy rain in parades across the country.
Information gathered by The Post indicates that in Yaoundé, Buea and several other towns, torrential rainfall disrupted the festivities. Many participants are said to have been left on sick beds following prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions.
Although the exact number of affected youths has not been officially confirmed, parents say the impact is evident in classrooms, as many pupils have been unable to return to school since the event.
In major cities such as Yaoundé and Buea, the traditional march-past went ahead despite the downpour. Thousands of students from primary school pupils to university reportedly remained on the ceremonial grounds for several hours.
“It has been a nightmare since my child returned from the February 11 parade,” a mother in Yaoundé told The Post. “He was completely soaked to the skin. By that evening, he had developed a high fever and malaria symptoms. He has not been able to get out of bed since.”
Another parent observed that although the youths displayed courage and patriotism, the health consequences have been worrying. “My neighbor’s children have come down with severe colds. Some who are particularly sensitive to the cold were caught right in the middle of the rain. The children said they could not seek shelter because they had strict instructions not to leave the line-up.”
However, some guardians opted for a more cautious approach. One parent said he prevented his children from going to participate in the march past when the intensity of the rainfall became apparent. “Even though they were concerned about possible sanctions for staying away, I advised them to remain at home for their own safety,” he explained.
The 60th edition of Youth Day was commemorated under the theme: “Youth at the Heart of Great Hopes, for a United, Stable and Prosperous Cameroon.” The 20th May Boulevard was chaired by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou.
On the eve of the celebrations, Paul Biya addressed the nation’s youth in his traditional Youth Day message on February 10. He acknowledged the challenges facing young people, including unemployment and anxiety, and urged them to avoid delinquency and drug abuse. The President also promised greater youth representation in public affairs and renewed efforts to priorities job creation.
President Biya further reaffirmed his commitment to youth protection, stating that firm instructions had been issued to strengthen safeguards for young girls against harassment and abuse in schools and workplaces. He concluded by pledging to “relentlessly fight” corruption in order to secure a better future for the nation’s “builders”.
