By Neba Jerome Ambe
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator (PIC) for the North West Region hosted a pivotal seminar aimed at raising awareness and fostering collaboration among grassroots development associations. The event, which took place at the PIC Auditorium in Bamenda, was designed to inform local leaders about the mission, structure, and operational framework of the PIC, as well as its role in promoting good governance and resolving disputes.
The seminar brought together representatives from a diverse range of grassroots organizations across the Region, with a focus on enhancing local ethical governance and encouraging active citizen engagement in the decentralization process.
In his opening remarks, Ndi Nelson, the Research Officer No. 1, who spoke on behalf of the Public Independent Conciliator, emphasized the importance of the seminar as both an honor and a strategic initiative. He highlighted that the gathering was part of the institution’s broader mission to ensure that local governance remains citizen-centered, transparent, and responsive to the needs of communities.
“As we move toward more decentralized governance structures, it is vital that both citizens and local authorities understand their roles, rights, and responsibilities. The Public Independent Conciliator is here to protect those rights and help resolve grievances fairly and impartially,” Ndi stated.
Established under Section 365 of Law No. 2019/024, the Public Independent Conciliator is a neutral and autonomous body tasked with promoting fairness, good governance, and the peaceful resolution of disputes between citizens and local councils. Despite its critical role, the PIC has often been underutilized due to a lack of awareness and limited engagement with key local stakeholders. The seminar was specifically designed to address these gaps.
The event’s primary objectives were to educate participants on the legal framework governing the PIC, clarify the institution’s dispute resolution processes, and raise civic awareness about the role the PIC plays in upholding citizens’ rights. By the end of the seminar, participants were expected to be equipped with practical tools for lodging complaints, engaging with councils, and contributing to their communities’ development in a constructive manner.
“Today, we aim to give you not only a thorough understanding of the PIC’s mandate but also actionable strategies that will help you resolve issues at the grassroots level, ensuring that the decentralization process is inclusive and effective,” Ndi added.
The seminar featured three key presentations by PIC staff: Kesten Fongwa, Blaise Ndam Mbah, and Dr. Atia Tilarious. The sessions were followed by interactive question-and-answer segments and group discussions designed to foster dialogue and strengthen collaboration between regional and local actors.
The event also underscored the importance of building stronger partnerships between the PIC and grassroots organizations. In his closing remarks, Ndi called for a sustained effort to ensure the successful implementation of Cameroon’s decentralization agenda, emphasizing that a more engaged and informed citizenry is essential for improving governance at both the local and regional levels.
“We are here to empower you,” Ndi concluded. “We want to see communities actively participating in council activities, voicing their concerns, and working together with local authorities to build a better future.”
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Shey Hebert, a representative from the Noni Youth Association, praised the seminar for its impact. “I’ve learned a lot today, and I’m going back to our community with a clear mission: to fully engage our association in council activities,” he said. Similarly, Awondo Judith from the Mankon Cultural Development Association shared her enthusiasm, noting that while they had already been collaborating with the local council, the seminar had inspired them to redouble their efforts for more effective development in Mankon. As the seminar concluded, the PIC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering greater transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, essential ingredients for the success of decentralization in the North West Region.
