Traditional Authorities and Decentralisation in Cameroon

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue XII, December 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Traditional Authorities and Decentralisation in Cameroon

Wanji Kabao Hubert
Historian of International Relations, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon

Abstract : In Cameroon, traditional authorities are referred to by the generic term of traditional chieftaincy. The chieftaincy is a level of the administrative organisation. It is governed by the 1977 decree and the 2013 decree which amends and supplements certain provisions. Over the years, the role and place of traditional chieftaincy has constantly evolved. As custodian of customs and traditions, it originally constituted micro-States or vassal States in the pre-colonial era. With colonisation, it played a collaborative role which, not without distorting its original value, continues in the post-colonial era. Within the framework of decentralisation, implemented by Law No. 96/06 of 18 January 1996, the status of traditional authorities has undergone a new evolution which certainly gives them a certain visibility in the decentralised local authority without, however, removing their confined role of auxiliary to the administration. Instead of essentially addressing the issue of over-centralisation of decisions at the summit of the State, including the exclusion of vulnerable social groups and the lack of interest in local institutions, decentralisation through the politicisation of chiefs is also likely to be a source of conflict between chiefs and populations that they are supposed to defend and lead.

Key words: Traditional authorities, colonisation, decentralisation, local authority, auxiliary.

I. INTRODUCTION

In Cameroon, just as in Africa, traditional authorities used to enjoy a certain prestige because of their autonomy. As custodians of customs and traditions, they were both spiritual and temporal leaders and had all the powers: executive, legislative and judicial. Yet, with the advent of colonisation, followed a process of ’emasculation’ of traditional leaders, that reduced them to mere servants. This undermining status was renewed by the post-colonial State, which in turn maintained them as auxiliaries to the administration, thereby taking away most of their powers.
Within the context of the on-going decentralisation process, and given the important role played by the latter among the populations, who remain very closely knit after all, the State has chosen to restore ‘a certain power’ and thus give a certain exposure to traditional authorities.

Read More