First edition of ‘Localisation Days’ in Cameroon

Our experts Daouda Serifou, Bintou Sylla and Theoneste Ganza have been instrumental in organising the first edition of ‘Localisation Days’ in Cameroon this week. The event brought together civil society representatives from the whole country, regional and central authorities, donors, INGOs and UN agencies. During two days of sincere and in-depth discussions, the participants discussed actions to intensify localisation in Cameroon, looked at the role of public authorities and the private sector and opportunities for direct financing of local actors. They also reflected on ways to bring the humanitarian, development and peacebuilding sectors closer together. “I’m pleased with the strong participation of civil society organisations and local authorities from all the regions affected by the humanitarian crisis in Cameroon.

Donors and the private sector, INGOs and UN agencies were present – it was a first meeting of its kind in Cameroon. The outcomes are a better understanding of localisation, best practices and recommendations for addressing localisation challenges”, says Bintou Sylla. Cameroon currently experiences three complex humanitarian crises: the Lake Chad basin conflict, the North-West and South-West crisis, and the Central African Republic (CAR) refugee crisis, which has resulted in 335,000 refugees from CAR to Cameroon. Our experts work on strengthening the local capacity to respond to these crises and on education in emergencies. Through workshops and trainings across the country, involving more than 80 local CSOS, we work to strengthen their organisational capacity, participation, leadership, direct funding and visibility.

The ‘Localisation Days’ was a great opportunity to take stock of all the work done so far and hear local actors' reflections for the future. The Localisation Days were co-organised by UNICEF, the working group on localisation, the Cameroonian Organisations Initiative (CHOI) and Coordination of Humanitarian International Non-Governmental Organisations (CHINGO), and financed by UNICEF, the Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO), CHINGO and NORCAP.