Cameroon: UK strengthens partnerships in South-West region
British High Commissioner Matt Woods visited the South-West region of Cameroon to commemorate Remembrance Day, and to launch new partnerships.
Commonwealth war graves in Limbe.
On 8 November, the High Commissioner joined the Governor of the South-West Region, His Excellency Bernard Okalia Bilai, the Minister of Secondary Education, Professor Nalova Lyonga, and other dignitaries at the Commonwealth war graves at the Limbe Botanical Gardens Cemetery to pay respects to all those who have lost their lives in war and conflict since the First World War, and to honour those who have served, and continue to serve, in the cause of peace.
During his 4-day visit to the region, the High Commissioner also met the Director General of the National School of Local Administration (NASLA) to formally launch a new UK-NASLA partnership focused on strengthening the management of non-titled land and helping to prevent land-related conflict.
The project will strengthen the knowledge, coordination and practical capacity of those involved in land management. It will include 2 regional workshops in Buea and Bafoussam, bringing together relevant institutions and stakeholders to improve coordination and strengthen approaches to land governance.
The Director General of NASLA, Mr Tanyitiku Enohachuo said:
We are grateful for this partnership with the United Kingdom’s Land Facility and the British High Commission in Yaoundé. It is particularly timely given the need for greater awareness and coordination among stakeholders involved in land management and the prevention of land-related conflict. Land management in Cameroon involves several institutions, including the Ministry of State Property, Surveys and Land Tenure (MINCAF), the Ministry of Territorial Administration (MINAT) and the Ministry of Decentralization and Local Development (MINDDEVEL). As a transversal institution, NASLA is well placed to coordinate training bringing together these institutions and other stakeholders.
The High Commissioner also met administrative authorities, traditional rulers and civil society representatives to hear local perspectives and deepen the UK’s engagement with communities across the South-West Region.
At the University of Buea, he delivered a lecture on demystifying diplomacy, sharing insights from his diplomatic career and discussing the role of diplomacy with students and the next generation of Cameroonian leaders.
British High Commissioner to Cameroon, Matt Woods, said:
It has been a privilege to spend time in the South-West Region to meet and engage with administrative authorities, traditional rulers, local communities and students. Our new partnership with NASLA is another practical example of how the UK and Cameroon can work together to strengthen institutions, prevent conflict and support peaceful, resilient communities.
The visit reflects the UK’s continued commitment to working with partners and communities across Cameroon to strengthen bilateral ties, support practical cooperation and advance shared priorities.