Cameroon: UK strengthens partnerships in South-West region

British High Commissioner Matt Woods joined regional and national officials in Limbe to commemorate Remembrance Day at the Commonwealth war graves, honouring those who served in conflicts since the First World War. The ceremony at Limbe Botanical Gardens Cemetery included dignitaries such as the South-West Governor and the Minister of Secondary Education, reflecting on peace and service. The visit marked a four-day engagement in the region, underscoring the UK’s commitment to local partnerships and remembrance.

During the visit, the High Commissioner formally launched a new UK-NASLA partnership focused on strengthening land management and reducing land-related conflict in Cameroon. The project will enhance coordination among institutions and stakeholders through regional workshops in Buea and Bafoussam, improving practical capacity in land governance. The partnership is supported by the UK’s Land Facility and the British High Commission in Yaoundé.

The High Commissioner met with NASLA’s Director General and other stakeholders to discuss the project’s implementation, which aims to bring together institutions including MINCAF, MINAT, and MINDDEVEL. The initiative seeks to address gaps in land governance by fostering collaboration and training, particularly in areas prone to land disputes. The timing aligns with the need for greater coordination among land management authorities.

The High Commissioner also engaged with administrative authorities, traditional rulers, and civil society representatives to gather local perspectives and deepen UK-Cameroon community ties. At the University of Buea, he delivered a lecture on diplomacy to students, emphasizing the role of diplomacy in leadership and governance. The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the UK’s commitment to bilateral cooperation and shared priorities in Cameroon.