Theme: Women against violent extremism

                  21 August 2023

The Commission is gravely appalled by the recent macabre discovery in a mass grave of the remains of six people, including five Divisional Delegates and an officer of the Regional Delegation of Taxes, who were abducted by secessionist terrorists on 15 June 2021 in Ekondo-Titi in the Ndian Division, South West Region.

The Commission is pleased to note the enormous efforts by the President of the Republic, Head of State in the relentless fight against violent extremism and terrorism in the affected Regions.

The Commission recommends that the Government ensure that the education systems and curricula include content and instruction that promote tolerance and acceptance of gender equality and human rights, irrespective of religious or ideological differences, and closely monitor the content of education to this end, to enable the building of a peaceful and functional society.

The Commission also advises the Ministry of Territorial Administration to further involve women in the reconciliation process in insecure Regions, by increasing the number and percentage of women in security groups and training programmes, and by considering the strategic advice of local women’s organisations, which are particularly vulnerable to violent reactions from communities and/or reprisals from violent extremist groups.

The Commission also recommends that civil  society organisations, the majority of which are women, become more active to make their voices heard and to fight more vigorously against violent extremism and acts of terrorism in the society.

The Commission calls upon religious authorities to conduct awareness-raising and information campaigns in places of worship, placing particular emphasis on the vital role played by women in promoting harmonious coexistence and peace within families and in society as a whole.