12/06/2026
Co-Creating the Future of Civic Space in Cameroon: Xhuma Africa Joins the FESECSA Initiative 🇨🇲
From June 3–4, 2026, Xhuma Africa stood alongside 30 leading civil society organizations in Buea for a two-day workshop. Organized by the Reconciliation and Development Association -RADA with vital support from CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, the forum focused on “Strengthening Civil Society Coordination for Human Rights Protection and State–Civil Society Engagement in Cameroon.”
As a youth-led organization, our participation was intentional. Democracy and national development thrive when the state and its citizens remain constructively connected. As beautifully echoed during the opening by Rev. Ayuk Solomon (representing the PCC Moderator), “For a government to work without CSO is to strip itself of its conscience.” Rolling Up Our Sleeves: The Co-Creation of FESECSA
This was not just a workshop of speeches; it was a hands-on laboratory for institutional change. Xhuma Africa actively participated in working groups to co-author Draft 1 of FESECSA (Framework for Engagement between the State and Civil Society Actors in Cameroon). Together, we tackled the framework's 12 core components ranging from the rights and responsibilities of CSOs to dispute resolution mechanisms and a concrete implementation roadmap.
By participating directly in this process, Xhuma Africa ensured that the unique vulnerabilities, protection needs, and aspirations of Cameroonian youth are reflected in the upcoming national mechanism.
Legal Compliance & Legislative Backing
The forum also emphasized the importance of accountability and legal compliance. We were encouraged by Hon. Agho Oliver, who reminded participants to maintain structural compliance with the law, stating, “No representative of the people, and entire parliament, should work without the Civil society being their backbone.” With champions like Hon. Agho Oliver and Hon. Malomba Esembe committed to fronting this framework to lawmakers, we are confident that a more secure, protected, and consultative civic space is within reach.
The road ahead involves unifying the draft and developing a powerful policy brief. Xhuma Africa remains unyielding in its commitment to supporting initiatives that empower citizens, promote legal compliance, and ensure that young people’s voices are permanently anchored in decision-making bodies.
We extend our gratitude to RADA, CEO Mbiydzenyuy Ferdinant Sonyuy, and CIVICUS for spearheading this milestone.
The work continues. Watch this space! 👁️✨