On 18 November 2021, the Cameroon Youths and Students Forum for Peace (CAMYOSFOP) in partnership with the Ministry of External Relations (MINREX) of Cameroon and with funding from Control Arms, organized a consultation on the state of the implementation of the ATT as well as challenges and perspectives in the run-up to CSP8 in Cameroon. The meeting was aimed at brainstorming on the implementation process of the ATT and Cameroon’s participation in CSP8. The one-day consultation took place in MINREX and brought together 15 key Ministries and institutions and 5 civil society organizations.

During the event, participants acknowledged that more steps need to be taken to address the issue of diversion which is a direct consequence of the numerous conflicts plaguing Cameroon. Further, participants identified key priorities to fast track the implementation of the ATT and other related arms control processes, i.e. the creation of a National Commission on SALW (NatCom) and the adoption a National Action Plan (NAP) on SALW. These mechanisms are expected to facilitate coordination as well as monitoring and evaluation of the effective implementation of the ATT by the state of Cameroon. Concerning the CSP8, participants agreed on the need to hold inclusive consultations prior to CSP8 and involve civil society organizations in the government delegation to CSP8. It was also recommended that Cameroon should organize a side event during CSP8 to share experiences on the implementation of the ATT in Cameroon.