Youth Day: UNDP makes unprecedented comeback, SDF boycotts

Youth Day:

UNDP makes unprecedented comeback, SDF boycotts

BY ATIA TILARIOUS AZOHNWI

The National Union for Democracy and Progress, UNDP, has again been seen in action in Buea after the party went comatose for over two decades.

The Youth Movement for Democracy and Progress of the party in Buea, backed by its National President, Ndansi Elvis benefitted from the boycott of the Socialist Youths of the Social Democratic Front to make an imposing comeback during February 11 – Youth Day celebrations.

Close to 500 youths turn out for the match-past, marching in UNDP T-shirts and chanting messages of patriotism.

The UNDP National Youth President, Ndansi Elvis said it was time he left the comfort of celebrating in Yaoundé and move down to the grassroots to mobilise support for his party.

“This year, I decided that this was the best moment for me to be in Buea. For over two decades now, as you rightly observed, the party has not matched in Buea. It is very timely, given that we are coming from an election year, but we still have another five years for elections to come. But if we are here today, it is to send signals that the UNDP is out to re-conquer lost territories,” Ndansi said.

He regretted that since 1992 when the party made great strides in the South West, the party suddenly went comatose.

“UNDP is a political party that has seen ups and downs. For the past years, the party has not been active in the South West Region because those who were at the helm left the party. But we have come to re-energise the party,” he added.

UNDP National Youth President, Ndansi Elvis

Coming to Buea at the eve of celebrations to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Cameroon’s Reunification previewed for Buea, Ndansi Elvis said it was an opportunity for him to tie the loose ends, so that the party participates in the celebrations in grand style.

SDF boycotts

The Youths of the Social Democratic Front, SDF in Buea boycotted the Youth Day match-past at the Bongo Square ceremonial ground in Buea.

The party left the CPDM Youths and those of the UNDP to gain political capital out of the SDF absence.

Since getting a defeat from the CPDM at the last twin elections in Buea, the SDF seems to have withdrawn into its shell.

The organising Secretary of the SDF Buea Electoral District, Marshall Atebili said the SDF in Buea hasn’t a vibrant youth wing and so have never taken part in Youth Day celebrations.