The second phase of the peace process, reconciliation and cohabitation in Widikum and its environs has concluded in Widikum, Saturday 9th August 2025.
Convened at the behest of the Senator of the North West Constituency, Hon Enwe Francis Abi, the process of forgiveness and cohabitation was spread across the board.
In a subdivision that has had its fair share of the ongoing crisis marked by burning of houses, kidnapping for ransom, killing of people, constant road blocks and ghost towns, Hon Enwe, a victim of the crisis, a victim of the crisis whose house was burnt, called on the population to preach peace and forgiveness.
"We must listen to others without succumbing to violence. Let us listen to each other and find common grounds so that together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and the generations to come."
To those still causing trouble in Widikum, Hon Enwe said "this is the last time we are calling on them to surrender and join the DDR. It is not our wish to continue to bury anyone in this area." He said.
Being the first ever peace and reconciliation movement in the entire North West Region, victims of the crisis who lost loved ones, took up their pictures and in unison, reunited with former separatist fighters who had surrendered and joined the DDR. This moment of forgiveness and reconciliation marked a significant turn of events in Widikum as eight fighters immediately surrendered, left the bushes and were taken to the DDR.
A college of pastors from the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon and priests from the Roman Catholic Church, prayed for the peace to be sustained. They called on those present and the diaspora to build bridges not walls. To be peacemakers in their homes, society and community. Preaching from Mathew 5:9 which states that "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," the clergy handed a Bible to the senator, calling on him to be a great moral leader like Joseph and to have an integrity like Daniel.
To empower the youths of the area to earn a living and contribute to the development of the area, Hon Enwe Francis donated 45 brand new bikes to youths of the community, a bike to the National Gendarmerie and a bike to the police.
To Enwe, "these bikes were all assembled here in Widikum. We are handing them to you at 0.0km. I wish to urge you all to use it judiciously. I wish to say that if all of you can contribute just a 100k from the proceeds you make from these bikes to the various village development Unions, the ripple effect will be felt across the subdivision." Senator Enwe said.
Speaking earlier on as he welcomed the population, the Mayor of Widikum, Andoh Stanislas termed the gathering, a victory for peace and the respect of State institutions.
He however pleaded with the defense and security forces to limit the harassment meted on bike riders, saying, "They're agents of peace."
Fons of the subdivision called on the Senator to harvest more for the subdivision noting that the peace initiative will be sustainable as the cleansing of Widikum has been done and it was time for their son, Senator Enwe Francis to go and shine.
First elected in 2007, Hon Enwe spent 13 years at Cameroon's lower house of Parliament. In 2023, he was elected into the Senate.
By
Ndi Tsembom Elvis
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