PM Dion Ngute talking to the press at the Buea follow-up meeting
The Committee for the Follow-Up of the Implementation of Recommendations of the Major National Dialogue, MND, has adopted fresh guidelines to bolster the economic recovery of the two English-speaking regions that have been plagued by armed conflict.
The resolutions were adopted in Buea, Friday, August 11. This was during the 5th session of the committee. It was chaired by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute.
A total of 12 solutions were adopted by members of the committee to further enhance the peace process and the return of normalcy in the North West and South West regions.
Among the measures, is a call to intensify the effective implementation of economic recovery measures to consolidate the considerable progress already registered in the agro-industrial sector.
They also resolved to engage community-based approaches in the identification studies, award and execution of projects to boost social cohesion and community fellowship.
Members discouraged the self-destructive attitude that has been adopted by the population inflicting hardship on communities, through falsehoods and passive cooperation with security services. It was agreed that actions will be taken to ensure that perpetrators of violence and uncovered.
PM Dion Ngute and other stakeholders at the 5th Follow-Up C’ttee of MND meeting in Buea
They called on local authorities and development agencies to work in collaboration with competent government institutions to ease the realisation of social projects such as the opening up of farm-to-market roads, and plantation roads for the benefit of smallholder farmers.
Ministries and institutions have been tasked to take appropriate measures to ensure the signing of more enabling instruments for the complete transfer of power and resources to the Regional and local authorities.
Meanwhile, regional assemblies of the North West and South West regions have been urged to further exploit existing legal text within the spectrum of the Special Status to complement the actions of the state and propose viable development initiatives that promote a people-centred approach to peace and development.
Members also called for the seeking of possible ways to increase budgetary allocations to entities involved in social and economic development at local levels. This, the follow-up committee said, is vital in improving the livelihoods of people at the grassroots heat.
They urged those charged with the reconstruction plan to further the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure for the benefit of the population.
In the spirit of building unity, members also called for continuous dialogue with all stakeholders for the return of peace and an enabling environment for trade and economic revival.
The Follow-Up Committee members also prescribed actions to counter misinformation and propaganda that instils fear in the minds of the population. They advised the state to also communicate effectively on the brave and sacrificial actions of the defence and security forces in contributing to the return of peace.
They also called for the creation of security posts, where possible to guarantee the safety of plantation workers and local cocoa farmers.
PM Dion Ngute chairing meeting in Buea
There was also a strong call particularly for religious leaders to continue dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders to further build an atmosphere of peace.
Participants noted that economic operators and the population must continue to work as one to ensure a common front against the destructive tendencies of enemies of peace.
Meanwhile, at the end of the session, the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute saluted the contribution of the civil society and other participants to ensure the return of peace. “This particular meeting focused essentially on the economic recovery of the North West and South West Regions. We had speakers from across the board from these two regions; economic operators, big businesses, small businesses, development agencies and the conclusion which we arrived at is that a lot of water has gone under the bridge, in other words, a lot has been done,” the Prime Minister said.
