The Youth Mandate: Supporting Community Peace and Protecting Traditional Institutions

Protecting community heritage means protecting the people themselves—neighbors, families, and future generations who must continue living side by side long after disputes are settled. Peaceful coexistence remains the strongest foundation upon which communities can build their future.

By Timothy Engonene
Guest Editor-in-Chief, The Independentistnews

BAMENDA February 11, 2026 – As tensions rise around national events and local disputes, the youth across communities—from the Savannah to the Atlantic Zones—face an important responsibility: protecting peace, preserving community dignity, and supporting traditional institutions during moments of uncertainty.

Recent disputes, including tensions between neighboring communities such as Nkwen and Bambili, demonstrate how quickly misunderstandings over land and boundaries can escalate. In such times, young people often stand at the front lines—either as agents of peace or as unintended participants in conflict.

The challenge before the youth today is clear: to ensure that disagreements do not destroy relationships that communities have built over generations.

The Role of Youth in Community Stability

Young people are often called upon during moments of crisis, sometimes pressured to take sides or engage in confrontation. Yet history shows that communities are strongest when their youth act as protectors of peace rather than instruments of division.

Traditional authorities and councils remain important pillars of communal identity. Supporting dialogue, encouraging calm, and promoting cooperation between neighboring communities can help prevent disputes from spiraling into violence.

Strengthening trust between communities requires patience, discipline, and responsibility from younger generations.

Rejecting Division and Misinformation

In today’s digital age, conflicts can easily be inflamed by misinformation and inflammatory messaging, particularly on social media. Anonymous voices or partisan commentators may encourage hostility or portray neighbors as enemies.

Young people must exercise caution before sharing or reacting to messages that insult neighboring communities or encourage confrontation. Many disputes can be resolved through patient mediation, but online rhetoric often deepens tensions. Communities benefit when youth encourage dialogue rather than escalate disputes.

Practical Responsibilities for Young People

To preserve peace and community dignity, youth leaders and community groups can help by: Encouraging Dialogue Over Confrontation
Supporting peaceful engagement between communities helps prevent disputes from escalating unnecessarily.

Supporting Traditional and Community Mediation Efforts. Young people can assist elders and local leaders in organizing peaceful discussions and maintaining calm while solutions are sought.

Avoiding Violence or Intimidation
Protecting life, property, and community relationships must remain the priority in any dispute.

Promoting Responsible Civic Engagement
Participation in civic or community events should always prioritize safety, respect, and mutual understanding.

Looking Forward

Communities across the region face shared economic and social challenges. Prolonged disputes weaken everyone involved, while cooperation strengthens communities’ ability to overcome hardship together.

Youth carry the responsibility not only of defending community interests but also of shaping the future relationships between neighboring villages and towns.

Conclusion: Choosing Peace Over Division

The future of communities lies in the hands of their young people. Strength is not only measured by resistance but by wisdom, restraint, and the ability to preserve unity even during disagreement.

Protecting community heritage means protecting the people themselves—neighbors, families, and future generations who must continue living side by side long after disputes are settled. Peaceful coexistence remains the strongest foundation upon which communities can build their future.

Timothy Engonene
Guest Editor-in-Chief, The Independentistnews