The Office of the Public Independent Conciliator (OPIC) for the Southwest Region released its 2025 annual report on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, providing insights into the state of relations between citizens and regional and local services. The presentation ceremony took place at the OPIC headquarters in Buea, presided over by Mrs. Telelen Dorothy Motaze, the Public Independent Conciliator for the Southwest.
Mrs. Motaze emphasized that the OPIC's fifth report was generally satisfactory, noting a marked improvement in relations between citizens and local authorities, particularly regarding the provision of routine services and the issuance of civil status documents. However, she clarified that some local authorities still fell short of expectations, especially in areas such as hygiene and sanitation, pointing out the lack of public toilets in some localities.
According to the Public Independent Conciliator, the report was compiled based on citizens' complaints, feedback gathered during public meetings, and analysis of questionnaires distributed to the public. This data made it possible to assess the performance of local services and identify areas needing improvement.
Law No. 2019/24 of December 20, 2019, establishing the General Code of Regional and Local Authorities, gives the « Public Independent Conciliators » the mission of examining and amicably settling disputes between users and the regional and municipal administration, defending and protecting rights and freedoms in relations between citizens and the region or regional councils, designing and implementing measures to prevent and combat any direct or indirect discrimination against the services of the Region or Councils, and ensuring that persons serving in the regional or municipal administration fulfill their ethical obligations.
The role of the Public Independent Conciliator is therefore crucial to ensuring good governance and a harmonious relationship between citizens and local administrations in the Southwest region. The 2025 report highlights the progress made, but also the challenges that remain in improving the quality of services offered to the population.
