North West PIC bets on prevention to strengthen local governance

The Office of the Public Independent Conciliator (PIC) for the North West Region has declared that the next phase of its work will focus on preventing governance failures rather than merely resolving disputes, as it marked five years of operation with an Annual Governance Fair in Bamenda.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, Public Independent Conciliator, Tamfu Simon Fai said the institution had evolved from an office that existed only on paper into a recognised mechanism for dialogue, mediation and accountability under the Special Status for the North West and South West Regions.

"We have demonstrated that dialogue remains stronger than confrontation, justice stronger than arbitrariness, and cooperation stronger than division," he said.

The anniversary brought together government officials, mayors, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, religious leaders, development partners and citizens to assess the institution's impact since it became operational in 2021.

Public Independent Conciliator, Tamfu Simon Fai

Rather than centring discussions on complaint resolution alone, the event highlighted the PIC's growing emphasis on preventing governance challenges through public education, institutional oversight and stronger citizen participation.

Research Officer Ndi Nelson said the Office deliberately designed its governance campaigns around existing laws after discovering that many citizens were unaware of their rights.

"We realised that many people simply do not know what the law says. The mission of the PIC is not only to resolve complaints but also to prevent them by building a culture of good governance where citizens know their rights and institutions fulfil their responsibilities." he explained.

Research Officer PIC, Ndi Nelson

Over the past three years, the Office has led region-wide campaigns promoting the free issuance of civil status documents, citizen participation in local governance and ethical conduct in regional and local authorities. The campaigns relied on radio broadcasts, community outreach, social media, posters and a network of Community Based Assistants to reach communities across the region.

The Office announced that its next campaign will focus on local revenue generation and financial probity in councils.

The communication strategy supporting these campaigns has also expanded significantly.

Research Officer Nina Ambuban said the PIC has used weekly radio programmes, seminars, workshops and partnerships with community organisations to ensure citizens understand both their rights and the responsibilities of local authorities.

Research Officer PIC, Nina Ambuban addressing participants

"Our objective is to ensure that no one is left behind," she said adding that the Office has worked extensively with traditional rulers, journalists, civil society organisations, women's groups, persons with disabilities and community volunteers.

Evidence based monitoring has become another pillar of the institution's work.

Research Officer Dr Alfred Wuku Kudi said annual governance surveys, field inspections and citizen feedback now guide the Office's recommendations to councils and the Regional Assembly.

"The growing size of our annual reports reflects the growing volume of work and the increasing confidence that citizens have in the Office," he said.

Participants at the Governance Fair acknowledged the institution's influence on local governance.

Representing organisations of persons with disabilities, Nogning Armelle described the PIC as "an institution that truly acts, not just speaks", citing its engagement with vulnerable groups and efforts to advance disability rights.

Representing the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon, Bamenda I Council Mayor Felix Mbigha said the Office had fundamentally changed the relationship between councils and their communities.

"Now the population has the right to determine council projects and supervise them. When people participate in development, they own those projects and help sustain them," he said.

The Regional Delegate of Decentralisation and Local Development observed that the PIC had become an important partner in improving local governance, noting that its annual reports and recommendations have increasingly influenced governance reforms within councils.

Secretary General Saidouna Ali addressing the event

Closing the event on behalf of Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique, Secretary General Saidouna Ali congratulated Public Independent Conciliator Tamfu Simon Fai and his team for their achievements over the past five years.

He praised the Office for promoting dialogue, accountability and transparency despite the difficult operating environment and encouraged it to deepen its contribution to decentralisation and citizen centred governance.

According to the PIC, sustainable local governance depends less on resolving disputes after they arise and more on ensuring citizens understand their rights while public institutions uphold their responsibilities.

By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web

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