In his message to the youth on the 58th edition of the Youth Day, President Paul Biya expressed his worry over the growing desire of a section of youths who crave to travel out of Cameroon. Especially when it turns into an obsession and even concerns people who have succeeded in their social integration locally.
He ascertain that Cameroon, like many others in the world, is experiencing a difficult situation. But the solution is not always to walk away.
‘Leave, yes, but not at any cost. In addition, know that while you aspire to leave, many foreigners are trying to settle in Cameroon, confirming that it is a welcoming land and a country of opportunities’ said the President.
He added that, ‘In saying this, I do not lose sight of the legitimate aspirations that are yours. Nor the concerns that are those of all the young people of your generation, wherever they are.’
The president reminded his young compatriots, that they are the present and the future of Cameroon. Who are tasked with the responsibility to co
ntinue, with faith and determination, the exhilarating work of building this strong and prosperous nation.
Most Cameroonian migrants are in search of greener pastures.
According to the Human Flight and Brain Drain Index, the average value for Cameroon in 2021 is 7.1 index points, which is above the world average of 5.25, based on 173 countries. Most Cameroonian skilled migrants emigrate to neighbouring countries, to Europe, or to the United States. Emigration from Cameroon contributes to brain drain on an on-going basis. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OSCE), 42.3% of the 57,050 Cameroonians working in Europe are highly qualified. Afrol News further indicates that, according to the Cameroonian Medical Association, 4,200 Cameroonian doctors, mostly specialists, are working abroad and only 800 are left in the country with a doctor-patient ratio of 1:10,000-20,000 in the cities and 1:40,000-50,000 in rural areas, writes Migrant Refugees.
Over the last decade, a consider
able number of people have emigrated from Cameroon. According to the most recent publication by Macro Trends in 2021, Cameroon experienced a steady increase in its international migration from 2000 to 2015. In 2005, the number of international migrants from Cameroon was 258,737, a 13.29% increase from 2000. By 2010 it had increased to 289,091, a rise of 11.73% from 2005. In 2015, the number was 381,984, which is a 32.13% increase from 2010. The most recent statistic of international migration as a percentage of the population was published in 2015, and it stood at 1.6%
Source: Cameroon News Agency
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Sahlework Zewde inaugurated today the Adwa Victory Memorial in Addis Ababa.
Adwa Victory Memorial symbolizes number interrelated actors that vividly depict the future of Ethiopia and Africa.
It has 8 gates designated for the unparalleled heroic deeds of the Ethiopian forefathers, stature of the 12 military commanders including Emperor Menelik II and Princess Tayitu Betul, replica of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), as well as a statute depicting symbolic contribution for Pan-Africansm.
The memorial is a gift from the current generation of Ethiopians to the future generation that is expected to carry over the historical feats of the Battle of Adwa.
It clearly shows the link between Ethiopian patriotism and Pan Africanism as well as the extent to which Ethiopia is rooted and positioned both in African history and thee socio-cultural fabrics in which all Africans and black people are woven.
Politically, the Adwa Victory Memorial shows how Ethiopia has cont
inued to play a major role on regional and global issues of African concerns.
It clearly shows how Addis Ababa has stood up to her regional and global expectation as a center for African unity, diplomatic and cultural center of the continent.
Located at the center of the city, the museum is already adding more beauty to Addis Ababa which is preparing to host the 37th Regular Session of the Assembly of Heads State and Government next week. This could give the leaders to visit the ultra-modern museum which is also dedicated to Pan Africanism.
The Adwa Victory Memorial is an emblem of the unity of Ethiopian forces in the Battle of Adwa 127 years ago that made a landmark history by triumphing over Italian colonial powers.
By building the Adwa Victory Memorial, Ethiopians are not only preserving a historical legacy but also reigniting a spirit of change and empowerment.
It is a call to remember the past struggles and victories, to draw strength from them, and to continue the fight for a world where every pers
on, regardless of race or origin, can live with dignity and opportunity.
The Adwa Victory Memorial is therefore more than just a structure of stone and metal; it is a symbol of hope, a shrine of courage, and a school of inspiration for generations to come.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency