by MBASSO VIOLET LALE

The Advanced School of Mass Communication (ASMAC) on May 8 hosted, for the first time in its history, a conference dedicated to preserving the memory of the Second World War. Held at the Hervé Bourges Amphitheatre in Yaoundé on the eve of Russia’s Victory Day, the event brought together lecturers, diplomats, researchers and students.Organized by the Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature in Cameroon under the theme “Preserving Collective Memory of the Second World War,” the conference focused on how nations remember the war and the lessons future generations can learn from it. Opening the event, ASMAC Director François Marc Modzom praised the initiative and emphasized the importance of understanding global history and international affairs. He also highlighted the long-standing relationship between Cameroon and Russia, recalling Russia’s major role during World War II. The Technical Adviser at the Russian Embassy in Cameroon, Alexendre Morozov, noted that countries often hold different interpretations of historical events, stressing the need for dialogue, education and continued historical engagement. Participants also followed online exchanges with contributors based in Russia, while military parade projections and wartime tribute videos created emotional moments inside the amphitheatre. Speaking during the conference, Jerry Acuro said preserving the memory of the Second World War should be a shared responsibility for all nations, since the conflict affected humanity globally. The event further strengthened academic and cultural ties between Cameroon and Russia, with organizers confirming scholarship and academic exchange opportunities for ASMAC students. A question-and-answer session concluded the conference ahead of Russia’s Victory Day commemoration on May 9, 2026.