Advancing Peace Initiatives in Cameroon Through Systemic Constellation

BY SA’AH SIONA IKEI

Amid escalating tensions in parts of the country and a pressing need for dialogue, a diverse coalition of stakeholders convened in Yaounde to address a new approach to achieving peace in Cameroon known as Systemic Constellation.

The gathering brought together civil society leaders, lawmakers, religious, journalists and representatives from ELECAM - the country’s elections commission. Organized by ITAKA Cameroon, the initiative was spearheaded by Father Kebei-Ghongson Afoukeze of the Piarist Fathers Peace and Development Office - Province of Central Africa.

According to father Kebei, systematic constellation is of essence now because of the dire need for peace in Cameroon. “Every Cameroonian has got to be involved. It’s not about a particular class,” he stated.“We have lived a culture of death for many years but this can be a starting point. Cameroon is in its electoral year and the knowledge of the self is very important so that youths do not get radicalized, so that people do not become manipulated and this is why it is important to get the knowledge of the self through systematic constellation and bring about the positive energy that we carry first as individuals and secondly as a nation.”

Iva Mia Kruslin, a peace advocate, played the role of facilitator of the workshop. She engaged with participants through exercises, and explained how peace could be harnessed in Cameroon, by implementing Bert Hellinger’s theory on “Family Constellations”.

She said, “I met Father Peter in Cambridge and on the individual level, he has felt the transformation on himself by undergoing this methodology of systemic transformation which has helped him to dive into the resources to help Cameroon and to work for the Cameroonian peace. Based on what he experienced in Cambridge, he decided to organize this event and to empower other people with this positive methodology, which is transforming the way we are doing things for making a more peaceful Cameroon and a more peaceful society.” She said.

Iva Mia used practical examples to demonstrate all the invisible dynamics of the system which could be transformed. Participants created various systemic constellation models to explore ways to achieve peace and harmony with less tension.

Meanwhile, the organizers, Members of Parliament and representatives from ELECAM present believed that, the workshop was timely, as Cameroon gears up for the 2025 presidential elections. So because, participants explored new approaches to restoring and preserving peace, during and after the elections.

Hon. Prudencia Injoh Foo Ngang, MP for Momo East Mbengwi Constituency, in the North West region was among the participants and one of those who described the event as timely. To her, the workshop will greatly impact participants, and equip them to become ambassadors of peace, especially during the upcoming presidential elections.