Yaounde: A workshop aimed at sensitising young Cameroonians on the dangers of irregular migration held in Yaounde on January 29, 2026. The event brought together civil society organisations, international partners, and local authorities to address what organisers described as a growing concern for the country’s future. It was organised by the Citizens’ and Political School of Yaounde, ECPY, and the Observatory of Foreign and National Press, OPEN, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration, IOM, and the African Leaders Network for Democracy, Emergence and Renewal, Réseau-LEADER. The workshop was held on the theme: ‘Youth Migration: Understanding the risks to better choose your future.’
According to Cameroon News Agency, the Divisional Officer of Yaounde III presided over the opening ceremony, expressing concerns that irregular migration continues to deprive Cameroon of its productive population while exposing families to long-term hardship. He noted that beyond the departure of young p
eople, the phenomenon fuels criminal networks and leaves families burdened with debt and trauma.
In his inaugural address, the Head of Mission of IOM Cameroon, Abdel Rahmane Diop, highlighted that youth migration is a daily reality affecting communities across the country. He revealed that between 2017 and 2021, close to 10,000 Cameroonians returned home after attempting irregular migration. Diop stressed that migration should be a choice rather than a necessity, advocating for informed, legal, and safe pathways.
Citing global data from the IOM’s Missing Migrants initiative, Diop noted that more than 80,000 people have died or gone missing on migration routes worldwide since 2014. He emphasized that women are increasingly represented among migrants from Cameroon, exposing them to specific risks such as domestic exploitation, gender-based violence, trafficking, and isolation.
The Initiator of Réseau-LEADER, Dr Jean Emmanuel Gnagnon, explained that the workshop aimed to alert young people to the dangers link
ed to irregular migration and poorly informed decisions. He stressed the importance of engaging directly with young people to discuss both the risks and the alternatives.
Hon Vincent de Paul Emah Etoundi, the Executive President of ECPY, highlighted the scale of Cameroonian migration and its human cost. He warned that 2024 was the deadliest year ever recorded on global migration routes, with at least 8,908 deaths according to the IOM.
Discussions also focused on the specific vulnerabilities faced by young women in migration processes. Member of Parliament Hon Yeba Judith emphasized the need for targeted sensitisation workshops aimed at informing women about the risks linked to poorly planned migration.
Young participants shared their perspectives, citing the influence of social media and online videos as motivations to better understand the realities behind migration. Several youths highlighted the need for viable conditions at home, stressing that informed choices would allow them either to travel under s
afer conditions or to remain in Cameroon and contribute to national development.