Traditional Authorities and Decentralisation in Cameroon

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.