“Politics is a powerful way to generate change”

When Ousmanou talks, people listen. Put him in front of a room full of people and he commands attention, speaking confidently and passionately about disability rights and young people’s ability to bring about change.

But it wasn’t always this way. Ousmanou explains that he used to feel “locked in silence and invisibility” and describes the challenges he previously faced in life as social prejudices, disability stigma, a lack of financial means and a lack of awareness of his rights.

Ousmanou hails from the far north region of Cameroon, an area facing ongoing conflict, insecurity, displacement and increasingly severe climate shocks – all of which are issues that have a disproportionate impact on people with disabilities.

Against this backdrop, Ousmanou has been on a leadership journey over the past few years after taking part in a Sightsavers project that helped him realise his potential. The project is part of a programme of work funded by Irish Aid (known as Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership for a Better World) which includes promoting inclusive citizenship, inclusive education and climate action.

His election as youth senator for the far north region came during a parliament session held in Yaounde in February 2025, attended by hundreds of youth representatives. He was also elected national youth committee vice president for the national platform for organisations of people with disabilities in Cameroon.

This role isn’t one Ousmanou takes lightly. “I decided to stand to make sure that the voices of young people with disabilities are heard as they are marginalised in society,” he says. “I want to be a role model, to show that political participation is accessible for everyone, regardless of personal challenges.”

“Being a young person with disabilities participating in decision-making means breaking down the barriers to inclusivity and equality,” he continues. “My involvement in politics is essential to bring a different perspective, which is often ignored. Thanks to this participation I can advocate for inclusive public policies in which the needs of people with disabilities are taken into account.”

What does it mean to him to have been elected to the position of youth senator? “Firstly, it means that I have been entrusted with representing the voices of young people from my local area in decision-making bodies. Secondly, the nomination recognises my commitment towards the inclusion and promoting the rights of people with disabilities. Thirdly, it means fostering social change and promoting equal opportunities in my community. And finally, it is an important responsibility and an honour for me.”

In his new role, Ousmanou has a focus on promoting youth participation in peacebuilding and local development initiatives in the region. “As a new youth senator my priorities include improving accessibility,” he says.

“I will raise awareness on voter registration and advocate for the inclusion of young people with disabilities in all spheres of society. I will also work to raise awareness among the population about issues related to disability and to promote the empowerment of young people through training sessions.”

Ousmanou has already been incredibly busy as a youth senator and recently participated in a citizenship-focused youth exchange between Sierra Leone and Cameroon. During this trip, the young people who participated met councils with inclusive local development plans, learned about Sightsavers’ inclusive elections work, and met other young people leading disability organisations.

Ousmanou took the participants from Sierra Leone to visit a cloth production and sewing training centre for people with disabilities and their families, and was also one of the keynote speakers during the youth leader roundtable discussion.

“My advice to other young people who are interested is that they must remain determined and persevere despite obstacles,” Ousmanou says.

“Don’t let stereotypes or discrimination discourage them. Young people should form and build a solid network and be ready to share ideas and defend the rights of people with disabilities. Politics is a powerful way to bring about change, so these young people will need to be armed with knowledge and be great communicators.”