Cameroon like most developing countries is not at ease because it is plagued by want; want even for the basic necessities of life! The reasons are not far fetched; the nation is at war with its self; steeped in worry and disquietude as a result of a ruthless battle for survival in a ruthless society-nurturing individuals, communities and national strife. The spectre of inter-tribal wars loom over the visage of many societies, most often communities that have paid their toll in life, limb and poverty. As if this is not sufficient the democratisation process heralded by many as the panacea for development and harmony has only deepened the chasm that already exists within individuals, tribes, communities and regions.

The incidence of social problems: poverty, unemployment, un equal distribution of wealth, crime, religious intolerance just to name a few, weigh on the population as an evil life-denying spell. The citizens groan, burring their aches thinly beneath their skins, drowning their personal tragedies in drink, prostitution, gambling, crime, occultism, stigmatisation, discrimination, suicide, homicide and general moral decadence. Intransigence, graft, injustice, nepotism and general violations of human rights by the incumbent powers, civil society leaders, traditional and secular authorities; render illusory the attainment of personal, community, national and world peace. The immediate outcome has been the divide between individuals, tribes and communities. The immediate consequence is generalized fear, doubt and anxiety, an atmosphere inimical to human progress and development.

There is general distrust and the society is regimented. This situation cannot be left to persist in the face of a rapidly developing world; it is an anathema to the achievement of the millennium goals set by the nations of the world to rid mankind of myriads of problems and anxiety. The World Peace Day is an occasion to join millions all over the world in activities that augur positively for human peace and harmonious co-existence in our neighbourhoods, communities and nations. This day was adopted by the UN in 1981 and celebrated for the first time on September 21 1982. Since then it has been celebrated yearly as a day during which the world observes a global ceasefire and a day of non-violence. On this day the UN usually calls for a minute of silence and a moment of good activity; activities geared towards individuals and nations, acting in concert, to make a difference in the quality of our lives, our institutions, our environment and our planetary future, thereby uniting our strengths along path ways of peace. In line with the chaotic volatile situation in my nation, recommendations of the UN and other well-meaning organizations, LUKMEF-Cameroon has recognized the necessity for peace and every year, organizes events to help enshrine peace in the psychic of the people in its own sphere of the universe. These activities include public lectures and debates on peace in schools and over the radio, film projections, press conferences on peace etc, and culminate in the LUKMEF-Cameroon Annual Peace Dinner.

The activities branded by LUKMEF are tailored to promote peace amongst the different individuals and institutions in our society and nation. It is a unique moment where mighty opponents and friends alike meet to shake hands, dialogue; share food and drinks, with only one thing in mind: celebrating and enshrining peace as the most vital component of human and societal growth, development and prosperity. Where the dinner creates conviviality amongst the differing voices regulating the affairs of our community, the lectures, debates, press conferences and film projections educate and train participants in conflict resolution processes. There are moments of mentoring in peace initiatives, participation, exchange and a special occasion to manifest solidarity and recognition for the job the UN is accomplishing to make the world a better place to live in. Above all the activities tally with the founding goal and objectives of LUKMEF-Cameroon.