The Prime Minister of Cameroon, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, has formally launched the community dialogue process for the North West Region in Bamenda. This process aims to bring peace and normalcy back to the region, which has been affected by a security crisis for nearly 10 years. The Prime Minister outlined a roadmap for the dialogue process, which will involve various stakeholders, including administrative authorities, civil society leaders, traditional rulers, and youth groups.
The community dialogue process will be implemented in the seven administrative divisions of the North West Region, then in 34 subdivisions and villages. The Prime Minister has instructed Senior Divisional Officers to organize the dialogue process in each division, while Subdivisional Officers will follow suit in their areas of competence. The process will involve contact with non-state armed fighters, with the goal of encouraging them to drop their arms and reintegrate into normal life.
According to the Prime Minister, the core of the dialogue is contact with the fighters, and the government will provide support for the process. He identified key actors who will be involved in the dialogue, including traditional rulers, religious authorities, economic operators, women, and youth groups. The Prime Minister also assured stakeholders of President Biya's support for the community dialogue process.
The community dialogue process has been ongoing since its launch on October 15, 2026. Although there has not been much visible activity in the divisions, various actors are brainstorming measures and mapping out strategies adapted to each locality. The Prime Minister has instructed Senior Divisional Officers to send reports to the Governor every two months on the progress of the dialogue process.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the dialogue is between communities and the fighters, and that the goal is to bring the remaining fighters out of the bushes. He invited stakeholders to adhere to the instructions of the Head of State for community dialogue to be organized together with administrative authorities and other stakeholders.
The North West Region has been affected by a security crisis for nearly 10 years, which has shaken the region to its foundation. The community dialogue process is an effort to address this crisis and bring peace back to the region. The government has defined a general roadmap for the dialogue process, which includes specific actions to be taken on the field.
The community dialogue process is a crucial step towards resolving the security crisis in the North West Region. The involvement of various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious authorities, and youth groups, is expected to help bring the fighters out of the bushes and encourage them to reintegrate into normal life. The government has assured stakeholders of its support for the process.
Key points
- The community dialogue process aims to bring peace and normalcy back to the North West Region.
- The process involves contact with non-state armed fighters to encourage them to drop their arms.
- The government has defined a general roadmap for the dialogue process, which includes specific actions to be taken on the field.
Reporting sources
- North West: Roadmap For Community Dialogue · Cameroon Tribune
