The Paradox of the Implementation of Decentralization Policy in Cameroon: Case study of Limbe II Council
5 min read
In 2004, the state of Cameroon embarked on the process of decentralization which entails transferring some competences to the local government or council for proper management. Since the inception of this policy, there have been accusations and counter arguments from political and opinion leaders who claim that the policy will remain a nightmare in a centralized state.
Decentralization is a first step to development in Cameroon. This is because any municipal development tends to influence national development. The Limbe II council was created in accordance to the presidential Decree No 2007/117 of 24th April 2007 to enhance development in that local area of the state. The mayor is to ensure and see to the success of this objective. Since the time of its creation till date, the council has had just two mayors.
It is not possible in the present state of affairs for councils to be decentralize and autonomous. Decentralization cannot be practiced in a centralized state like Cameroon where all decisions come from the head quarters and are imposed on councils; the S.D.O is controlling councils .i.e. the reason for its paradoxical nature in Cameroon as a state and Limbe II municipality in particular.
This municipality harbors the lone National Oil Refinery company (SO.NA.RA), an international football stadium, National ship yard company CNIC, the largest Agro-industrial company- CDC and numerous touristic site especially due to its coastal location. This gives more reason why this local council has to be more; if not the most developed in Cameroon through fiscal decentralization by the huge taxes it will receive from these companies, thus reaping the benefits of decentralization. Ironically, the municipality still has some challenges which by now ought not to be existing, this brings out the problem that the council have not been handed all its competences like the collection of taxes from these major companies thus, the situation which is different from what ought to be.
Aim and Objectives of the Study
Aim of the study
To investigate the extent to which Limbe II Council is practicing the policy of decentralization as stated by the 1996 constitution. i.e. to examine the implementation of the law in Limbe II council.
Objectives of the Study
- To evaluate the extent to which decentralization law is implemented in Limbe II.
- To investigate the problems faced in the execution of the policy.
- To propose solution to the problems.
Propositions of the Study
Following the presidential decree No 2007/117 that led to the creation of the Limbe II council in accordance with the decentralization policy, the implementation of the decentralization policy is below average.
Legal and institutional barriers are the major challenges to decentralization in the Limbe II council. It takes the determined political will of the state officials to fully implement the decentralization policy.
Scope and limitations of the study
The geographical limit of the study will be Limbe II municipality. Eleven villages make up this municipality.
This study is limited to the paradoxical nature of decentralization in the Limbe II municipality withinthe time frame of 2007 to 2017 because this time range is from the creation of the council till present date, thus, this is the time within which the decentralization policy was introduced in that local constituency.
The extent to which the policy is implemented, the problems and proposed solutions will make up the content of this study.
Significance of the Study
- To the community: This study will go beyond to show the inhabitants of the municipality why they have local government and to know how it is supposed to function, to sensitize them about the decentralization law.
- To the local government: this will help the administration of the machinery to be efficient in its coordination and implementation of this policy. Also assist them in decision making and actions geared towards the municipal development and to always require from the central government if it fails to provide the former with its supposed obligations.
- To policy makers; this study will help them to know the best solutions to apply in order to solve the problems of decentralization and also to formulate policies which will aid in the effective and efficient implementation of the law.
- To other researchers; it will help them to know about decentralization in Cameroon in general and the extent to which it is applied in the Limbe II council in particular.
In his profession, he has trained many youth leaders on peace and attained high-level discussions aimed at promoting respect for human rights and democracy. He was a member of the team from his office (CHRDA) that attended the Pre-dialogue consultations with the Prime Minister where he made enormous contributions in the proposals, which they handed to the PM and that were raised during the Major National Dialogue in Cameroon. He is a Political Analyst and passionate about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Contact: E-mail: enowdubell58@gmail.com
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Read or download the full thesis through the following link: The Paradox of The Implementation of Decentralization Policy in Cameroon by Enowbachem
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
