PIC Takes Ombudsman Campaign to Anglophone IDPs in Pouma
In a major public outreach effort, the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator (PIC) of the North West Region extended its educational campaign to thousands of Anglophone Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) gathered at the Esimbi National Youth Convention in Pouma, Littoral Region.
The delegation, led by special envoys of the Office Dr. Alfred Wuku Kudi and Barrister Dimla Hanson, delivered a targeted sensitization session aimed at bridging the gap between displaced citizens and local administrative institutions.
Promoting Youth Empowerment and Good Governance
Speaking to a packed assembly of youths, community leaders, and local dignitaries, the envoys urged the young displaced population to see themselves as active agents of change rather than passive victims of displacement. The core message centered on three key pillars:
1.Nation Building: Encouraging patriotic and constructive engagement within host and home communities.
2.Civic Responsibility: Motivating youth to participate directly in local governance and decision-making processes.
3.Local Development: Positioned young citizens as essential drivers of economic and social growth in their communities.
“The youths must act as constructive pillars of local development and governance, shaping the future of their communities through active and responsible civic participation.” Dr. Alfred Wuku Kudi, stated in his presentation.
The outreach featured two comprehensive educational tracks designed to empower displaced individuals with practical civic tools and awareness: 1. Role and Mandate of the PIC
Dr. Alfred Wuku Kudi delivered a keynote presentation detailing the operational framework of the Public Independent Conciliator an ombudsman institution established under Cameroon’s Special Status framework to defend citizen rights against maladministration and promote good governance in local councils.
Dr Alfred Wuku Kudi,Research Officer no.4 of the Office of the PIC NW
Dr. Kudi outlined:
– The primary mandate and independent function of the PIC.
– Step-by-step procedures for lodging complaints regarding public service delivery, administrative abuse, or discrimination by regional and local authorities.
– The free, accessible mechanisms available for mediation and dispute resolution.
Civil Status Registration & Youth Engagement
Barrister Dimla Hanson led an interactive session focusing on legal identity and civic inclusion. His presentation emphasized:
Civil Status Registration: The critical importance, official procedures, and legal necessity of acquiring vital documents such as birth certificates for IDPs.
Citizens’ Participation: Practical approaches for youths to engage in local development projects and municipal council affairs.
The educational campaign sparked intense curiosity and engagement among the participants, many of whom were learning about the PIC’s mechanisms for the first time. The event was attended by the administrative, traditional, and religious authorities prominent : The Divisional Officer of Pouma Sub Division The Divisional Officer of Benakuma Sub Division, the Mayor of Benakuma Council, and amongst others, signaling broad institutional backing for the PIC’s cross-regional outreach efforts.
Expressing gratitude for the initiative, Mr. Bâche Vincent, National President of Esimbi Youths, commended the institution for taking its services directly to vulnerable communities.
“We deeply appreciate the Public Independent Conciliator for always remaining close to the population and ensuring that displaced citizens are not forgotten in the drive for civic education and regional governance.”
Mr. Bâche Vincent, National President of Esimbi Youths “This initiative marks a significant step in extending the reach of the North West PIC beyond its primary geographical headquarters, ensuring that Anglophone IDPs residing in host zones like the Littoral Region remain informed, legally protected, and integrated into national civic life”.