By Leocadia Bongben
The Climate Justice Movement, CJM, is urging presidential candidates to prioritise climate justice and environmental conservation in their programmes and to implement audacious governance to make Cameroon more equitable, green, and climate resilient.
The movement of 40 civil society organisations, youths, and local and indigenous communities regrets that candidates prioritise the economy and development over the rights of indigenous peoples, the environment, and forests.
It is within this context that the President of the Association of Young Indigenous People, AJPAC, Nyangono Lerys, sent this message to the candidates.
The Congo Basin, they say, the second largest tropical rainforest after the Amazon and a carbon reservoir of global and regional importance for climate regulation, is a source of food, water, and shelter for millions of people and is threatened by deforestation, illegal resource exploitation, and the exclusion of the local population from decisions that affect them.
In Cameroon, the effects of climate change are evident in the form of food shortages, drought, floods, and forced migration. The CJM demands political commitment that is unambiguous, quantifiable, and long-lasting.
Protecting and restoring the ecosystem, acknowledging and ensuring the rights of indigenous people and communities, and taking action for climate justice—which includes accelerating the energy transition to renewable energy, advancing climate equity, reducing plastic pollution, creating green jobs and environmental education, fortifying international partnerships, and providing funding—are the three main priorities for a sustainable Cameroon.
Angeline Mojo, representing Forêts et Développement Rural, FODER, a CJM member, says, “Cameroon has a historic opportunity of becoming a leader in climate justice. This invitation is to work together to create a future in which human dignity, the environment, and solidarity inform all political choices.”
Cameroon is at a crossroads with the climate crisis. “We want candidates who want to lead our nation to take tangible steps, not just make promises. Every political choice we make must safeguard our future, our communities, and our forest. We can only create a resilient, equitable, and sustainable Cameroon if we work together,” said Malvin Tankoh, Greenpeace Africa’s country coordinator
The press conference, at the hall of Greenpeace Africa, on October 7, 2025, was one in a series of activities that Greenpeace Africa and its partners launched, including a poster campaign in Douala, Yaounde, Kribi, and Limbe advocating for the protection of forests and the defence of the rights of indigenous peoples. Dr Nojounguep Juscar, AJESH, and Sa Majeste Yetina of Ebo also attended the press conference.
The CJM call to action is a reminder that the climate issue is a daily occurrence that calls for swift, inclusive, and forceful political solutions.
Participants suggested that future initiatives involve the candidates in a news conference and that other ways to involve the candidates be explored.
