SW OPIC activities ignite hope for normalcy return
By Nchendzengang Tatah
In a revelation on regional assembly and municipal council performances in 2024, dust is said to have settled in many conflict-affected municipalities of the South West. This follows over half a decade of gun exchanges, social tension and human displacement. The Office of the Public Independent Conciliator (OPIC) for the South West reported that the climate in many areas, despite several pockets of resistance, was taking form.
The account reviewed OPIC’s activities which were noted to have conquered high threat areas in the region. Over 75% of areas in which field visits were carried out are away from Divisional headquarters. Enclaved areas like Wabane, Konye, Mundemba and Nguti hosted PIC-organised town hall meetings dedicated to unveiling the institution’s mission.
According to the report, the absence of municipal authorities has further rendered many areas lacking in development. “Closely linked to insecurity was the aspect of inaccessibility to several localities or council areas which have become totally enclaved due to the inability of public or local authorities to ensure the execution of road maintenance in such areas for over six (06) years today,” it advanced.
The PIC statement on councils for 2024 was based on field visits, 1835 questionnaires analysed, feedback from liaison officers and comments from service users and providers (contractors). The OPIC made ten outings to all six divisions.
It was made an open secret that some mayors were administering away from base -including that of Alou, despite the improved social climate. Others like Akwaya, who relocated alongside the Council office to Mamfe – as his municipality is most hit in Manyu Division – were expected, going by local opinion, to visit his area more often. That hope is ignited in the local population, and adequate solutions are implemented to address their worries.
The same was the case with the South West Regional Assembly. Executive Bureau Members had never been seen in several localities. “Worse, some Regional Councilors have remained conspicuously absent from their constituencies which they reportedly represent within this institution.” the report further stated.
Notwithstanding, other Mayors in areas like Mbonge, Mundemba, and Bamuaso were saluted for permanent residence and activity in their municipality – despite threats and security challenges. In the year under review, the South West PIC received 43 complaints with 31 being in its competence. Its projections for the 31 councils of the South West were positive. On the basis, that improvement was recorded after previous reports and a better sense of council-population collaboration was attained in 2024.
