Louis Tebi Nduku is a prominent Cameroonian peace activist, community mobilizer, and the founder of Xhuma Africa Association. His journey is a powerful testament to “post-traumatic growth”—turning a personal experience of extreme violence into a systemic movement for peace and reconciliation. Known for his work in the conflict-ridden North West Region, Tebi has become a leading voice in de-radicalizing youth and building a “culture of peace” across Africa.
A Journey Forged in Crisis
Tebi’s commitment to peace is deeply personal. In July 2018, while walking to the University of Bamenda for his final examinations, he was kidnapped by armed separatist rebels. He was held captive for two weeks, blindfolded, chained, and tortured. His “crime” was his desire to obtain an education despite a mandated school boycott.
Upon his release, Tebi faced a choice: revenge or restoration. He chose the latter. After undergoing trauma therapy and peace-building training, he realized that many of his captors were themselves young people who had been radicalized by trauma, poverty, and misinformation. This realisation became the foundation of his life’s work.
Impact as a Youth Leader
Tebi’s impact is structural, focusing on the mental and social transformation of youth who have been “weaponized” by conflict.
1. Xhuma Africa Association
The word “Xhuma” comes from Zulu, meaning “to connect.” Through this organization, Tebi works to reconnect the fractured social fabric of Cameroon.
- Peace Weavers Program: He has trained and certified hundreds of young people as “Peace Weavers”—grassroots mediators who intervene in local disputes and promote non-violent alternatives to conflict.
- Rehabilitation of Former Combatants: Tebi works directly on the rehabilitation and skills training of former youth combatants in Bamenda, providing them with a path back into civil society through vocational training and trauma healing.
- Environmental Peacebuilding: He uniquely links climate change to conflict, teaching youth how the fight over limited resources (like water and fertile land) fuels war. His programs include regenerative agriculture and “eco-walks” to clean up community spaces.
2. Countering Hate Speech and Extremism
As a fellow and alumni of the #defyhatenow initiative, Tebi is a specialist in fighting online incitement and disinformation.
- Love Speech Campaigns: He trains “Youth Ambassadors” to promote “love speech” and critical thinking on social media to counter the propaganda that drives ethnic and political violence.
- Policy Advocacy: Tebi has collaborated with the Cameroon Youth Parliament to draft policies aimed at protecting children from polarizing and hateful language in educational settings.
Global Recognition
His “Elevator Pitch” for peace has resonated on the global stage:
- 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards Finalist: He was recently named one of the 20 regional finalists for this prestigious award, recognizing his resilience and innovation in tackling global challenges.
- Young Global Changers Recoupling Award (2024): This award highlighted his work in “recoupling” economic and social progress through peacebuilding.
- OSV Fellowship & Kanthari Alumnus: He is a graduate of the Kanthari International Institute, where he refined his skills as an ethical social change-maker.
Philosophy: The Power of Peer Influence
Tebi operates on the tagline: “We are youthful, let us be peaceful and useful to ourselves and the society.” He argues that because young people are the primary victims and perpetrators of modern conflict, they must also be the primary architects of its resolution.
“War is costly, but peace is priceless. A people free of choice will always choose peace.” —Louis Tebi Nduku
Legacy and Future Vision: The Peace Education Academy
Currently a PhD candidate in Political Science, Tebi is working toward his ultimate goal: establishing a Peace Education Academy in Bamenda. This institution is envisioned as a continental hub where young Africans can learn problem-solving methodologies rooted in African values and philosophies, ensuring that the next generation never has to choose between an education and their safety.
