North-West PIC Reviews 2025 Annual Report with Regional, Local Authorities

The Office of the Public Independent Conciliator (PIC), North-West Region, on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, organized a debriefing session on the findings of its 2025 Perception Survey for Regional and Local Authorities at its conference hall in Up-Station, Bamenda.

The meeting brought together some members of the Regional Executive Council, the Regional Delegate of Decentralisation and Local Development (MINDDEVEL), the President of the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon (UCCC), and Mayors from across the North-West Region, some accompanied by key technical staff from their respective councils.

Coming barely a week after the celebration of the fifth anniversary of the functioning of the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator, the meeting served as an opportunity to evaluate governance practices within the region’s Regional Assembly and councils.

In his opening remarks, the Public Independent Conciliator described the gathering as a “family reunion,” convened to collectively reflect on the state of governance in the North-West Region and chart practical pathways towards strengthening transparency, accountability and quality service delivery in Regional and Local Authorities.

He emphasized that the discussions would be guided by evidence rather than assumptions, drawing extensively from the findings of the Office’s 2025 Perception Survey and Annual Report.

Presenting an overview of the report, the Public Independent Conciliator noted that while significant progress had been recorded in several areas, persistent governance challenges remain. He stressed that good governance should not be measured solely by the number of development projects executed but also by the fairness of decision-making processes, the transparent management of public resources, the responsiveness of institutions to citizens’ concerns, and the confidence citizens have in those entrusted with public office.

He further observed that the 2025 survey revealed an increasing willingness among citizens to participate in local governance whenever meaningful opportunities are created. According to him, this presents an important opportunity for Regional and Local Authorities to strengthen dialogue with citizens, reinforce accountability mechanisms and rebuild public trust.

The debriefing provided a platform for constructive dialogue, mutual learning and shared responsibility among stakeholders committed to improving governance and public service delivery.

To guide the day’s discussions, participants received five technical presentations from staff of the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator:

– Dr. Alfred Wuku Kudi presented on The Reporting Mandate of the Public Independent Conciliator and The Conception and Organisation of the 2025 Perception Survey.
– Dr. Tilarious ATIA presented the Findings of the 2025 Perception Survey.
– Madam FONGWA Kesten NGUM analysed and interpreted the survey findings.
– Mr. Juli Yauba Bobo highlighted the difficulties and challenges encountered during the conduct of the survey.
– Mr. NGODJI Rais presented preliminary findings from ongoing investigations into Regional and Council Project Management.

Beyond the technical presentations, the workshop also showcased best practices in local governance. Four councils were invited to share successful experiences in key areas of municipal administration. Nkambe Council presented on income generation strategies, Bamenda III Council highlighted best practices in civil status registration, Bafut Council shared its experience in salary management and payment, while Bamenda II Council presented on effective project execution.

The meeting concluded with a rich exchange of ideas and practical recommendations aimed at improving the functioning of the North-West Regional Assembly and councils. The recommendations are expected to contribute to enhancing transparency, accountability, responsiveness and efficiency in public service delivery, while fostering greater trust and collaboration between local authorities and the communities they serve