On September 17, 2019, Cameroon's Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute, chaired the first ordinary session of the National Decentralization Council. The meeting brought together government officials, parliamentarians, and representatives from various sectors, including the economy, education, and local development. The council discussed key issues related to decentralization, including the implementation of projects and the transfer of powers to local councils.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of decentralization in the country's development, noting that it was a major theme in the upcoming National Dialogue. He also highlighted the need for effective implementation of decentralization policies, particularly in the areas of education and local development. The council reviewed progress made in these areas and discussed challenges that need to be addressed.
The Secretary General of the National Decentralization Council reported on the activities of the council's permanent secretariat during the inter-session period. The secretariat had been working on codifying the decentralization process, including updating the National Decentralization Strategy and drafting new legislation related to regional councils. These efforts aim to strengthen the institutional framework for decentralization.
The Minister of Decentralization and Local Development, MINDDEVEL, presented an update on the implementation of decentralization projects during the first half of 2019. The minister highlighted the organization of the General Assemblies of Communes, which brought together representatives from all 360 communes and 14 urban communities in Cameroon. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in decentralization.
As part of efforts to accelerate decentralization, MINDDEVEL is working to establish the second tier of decentralized territorial entities, namely regions. Two key bills were presented to parliament in March 2019, one modifying the electoral code and the other setting the number and regime of regional councilors' allowances. These bills were promulgated by the President on April 25, 2019.
The Minister of Economy, Planning, and Territorial Development presented an update on the physical and financial execution of communal projects financed by the General Investment Allocation as of June 30, 2019. The minister highlighted challenges encountered and corrective measures being taken to ensure effective implementation of these projects.
The decentralization process in Cameroon aims to transfer powers and resources to local councils, enabling them to manage their own development. The government has been working to strengthen the institutional framework and provide resources for decentralization, but challenges remain in implementing these policies effectively.
Key points
- The Cameroonian government is working to enhance decentralization by providing more resources to communes and strengthening the institutional framework.
