JEICOM 25: EU urges gov’t to empower decentralised collectivities to transform rural areas.

The Forum which is in its third edition was officially opened in Yaounde yesterday by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute. 

In his intervention, the EU Diplomat insinuated that the tensions in Cameroon and in other parts of the world, are partly due to a disconnect between booming urban centres and depleted rural communities, suffering from mass exodus of youthful population in search of a better life in more economically viable communities. 

Chataigner asserted that if grassroots communities are transformed into economically viable zones, the youth will settle there and naturally trust their leaders and elite. 

He said their hope in the future would be revived, conflict abated, and the youth will be encouraged to contribute their utmost to national development.

Ambassador Chataigner pledged the determination of the European Union to stand by, not only the government of Cameroon, private sector operators and officials of decentralized collectivities, but with other African countries, to make grassroots communities as places where people can live in dignity.

He harped that all development starts from the grassroots, with all actors working hand in glove to achieve stated objectives.

Chataigner lauded the contribution EU member States like France, Germany, Italy, Belgium among others, are making towards gingering government´s development effort, assuring that EU assistance will not only be sustained, but stepped up as the years go by.

Concrete case studies

The EU Head of Delegation concurred with the French Ambassador who catalogued some of the key projects jointly funded by EU member States and other partners in an effort to improve the living conditions of Cameroonians.

He cited Nachtigal hydroelectric Dam which will help make electricity available in rural communities and improve the standard of living for grassroots populations, guarantee access to the internet, other modern forms of information and communication technologies and gives access to the various windows of opportunities. 

He said the drive to digitalize decentralized collectivities is at the heart of EU transformation effort in Cameroon. He insisted that there is no better way to step up the fight to reduce poverty, enthrone climate resilience and tackle other modern-day challenges without effective decentralization and economic empowerment of people living at the grassroots. 

Chataigner expressed optimism that economically viable rural dwellers are a bacon of hope for the defence of democratic principles and effective decentralization both in Cameroon and in other African countries.

The EU boss touched briefly on the importance of the satellite European Union Programme, dubbed “Global Gateway”, which he said provides the bedrock through which many agriculture development projects are being executed in Cameroon by the European Union to arrest hunger and malnutrition and the country food self-sufficient.

Ambassador Chataigner said Cameroon needs to be economically strong with booming decentralized collectivities so as to serve as an example for other CEMAC member States.

He lauded the contribution of JEICOM 25 organisers, especially United Councils and Cities of Cameroon, UCCC, that is advocating local autonomy and the representation of the interests of councils by public authorities or other local development stakeholders. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3463 of Tuesday June 03, 2025