Mbanga Pongo Community Outreach

The Mbanga-pongo neighborhood in the Douala 3 Municipality of Cameroon is a community characterized by a high concentration of illicit drug consumption according to research carried out by Roots of Freedom Initiative(Rofi Cameroon) as prelude to its just ended community outreach ‘The No Addiction Concert”.
Mbanga- Pongo known as the crash site of Kenya Airways Flight 507. On May 5, 2007 has a demographically youth community with main occupation bike riding and trading. In commemoration of The international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, on June 26 , 2026 the community mobilized its youths parents and Community leaders heading the community’s 12 Blocs (Chef du Bloc).
At 12 noon local time a wooden stage was handed to the youths of the community. The No Addiction Concert Concept reveals a public outdoor setting accessible to all community members.
A performance stage with music equipment, attracting attention with a diverse audience, including youths and community leaders..
The Program was a three part animation of artistic performances by youths of the community with 2 slots of 30 minutes each interactive Conversation by professionals of the Ministry of Social affairs on subjects related with the use and abuse of psychoactive substances and its consequences spiced by the testimony of The founder, CEO of Roots of Freedom Initiative a former Substance User.

Impact of the event

• It was the first time such a subject was openly discussed in public in the community.
• 5 Youths contacted for advice on how to quit’
• The need for the building of a rehabilitation center in the community was expressed by the community leaders.
• The urgent need for the improvement of the poor road conditions which they believe prevent urgent response by forces of Law and Order was emphasized.