The Public Independent Conciliator (PIC) for the North West region has released its 2024 performance report, providing a detailed evaluation of local councils. While some councils were praised for their governance efforts, others were called out for inefficiency, illegal practices, and poor public engagement.
The report also raises alarms over increasing attacks on municipal officials, calling for urgent action to address security concerns.
PIC activities for 2024
The PIC ticked the organization of three information and education seminars as well as four municipal treasurers, secretaries-General, Mayors, civil status secretaries, Journalist, civil society organizations and community based assistants.
Equally, the visitation of councils in divisional headquarters such as Nkambe and Bui division to sensitize the population and councils on the activities of the PIC, while collaborating with international and national institutions to exploit possibilities of developing ties with the office of the PIC to name a few.
To check the relationship of local councils and the local population, the PIC carried out a survey focused on council administration and management, enforcement of ethical standards prevention of discrimination, promotion of inclusiveness, respects of rights, provision of basic services and accessibility of council services.
Councils That Excelled
Councils such as Bamenda I, Bamenda III, Ako, Nkambe, and Fundong earned recognition for their commitment to transparency, accessibility, and community involvement. These councils were particularly commended for reducing unauthorized fees for civil status documents and creating platforms for citizens to participate in local governance signifying progress as compared to 2023. Their progress was noted as an example others councils can emulate
Councils That Fell Short
On the other hand, Belo, Njinikom, and Nkor were highlighted for poor governance and a lack of responsiveness to public concerns. The report also revealed that 27 councils continue to impose illegal charges for essential documents like birth, marriage, and death certificates—fees that should not exist under the law. The PIC has urged citizens to report such practices and called on councils to immediately stop these unauthorized collections.
Rising Violence Against Local Officials
Beyond governance issues, the report raised serious security concerns revealing reason for the accessibility of some mayors and council services. This revelation highlighted the assassinations of the Second Deputy Mayors of Bamenda II, Elak, and Babessi, along with murders of Dr. Ngong Innocent Mayor of Belo, Councilor Mathias Bang of Zhoa council, spelling out the growing threats against municipal authorities.
Challenges and the Way Forward
The PIC identified additional barriers hindering effective governance, including insecurity, persistent delayanse in budget disbursements, lack of a local public service code and poor collaboration from council leaders in resolving citizen complaints. In response to these challenges , the PIC recommends internal reforms to improve administration and management of local and regional aithorities. The PIC intends to focus on strengthening transparency, accountability, and public service delivery.
The PIC’s report serves as both an evaluation and a warning: councils must improve service delivery, end illegal practices.
The principal mission of the PIC is to make sure that good services are rendered by the council to the population, void of discrimination and marginalization and the respect of human rights. The PIC guarantees fair and equitable treatment under the law.
