Why working with traditional and religious leaders changes the dynamic for community-led development in Cameroon

The Far North region of Cameroon, bordering Chad, Nigeria, and Lake Chad, has been beleaguered by multiple crises and conflicts in recent years, hampering development in an area already grappling with high poverty rates and low human capital indexes. Climate change has exacerbated the situation, leading to deadly clashes over scarce resources. 

Traditionally, this region has a history of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different communities, including farmers, fishermen, Christians, and Muslims. During crises, traditional and religious leaders have consistently played a pivotal role in conflict resolution.

His Majesty Mahamat Bahar Maruf, Sultan of Logone Birni, reflects on this responsibility: "We are seen as a compass. In times of stress or insecurity, it is up to us to identify ways to comfort people and bring the community back together".

The Role of the Lake Chad Development and Recovery Project (PROLAC)

The Lake Chad region remains a priority area for engagement due to shared challenges and significant potential for regional cooperation. The World Bank’s Lake Chad Development and Recovery Project (PROLAC) exemplifies a bottom-up approach to addressing community-based conflicts in Cameroon’s Far North. A part of the broader World Bank’s Lake Chad Region Program, PROLAC focuses on stabilization and early recovery, laying the groundwork for long-term resilience and sustainable development.

PROLAC aims to enhance citizen engagement and social cohesion by addressing deep-seated social issues with people-centered, participatory solutions rooted in local values and institutions. Its primary objective is to strengthen trust and dialogue among citizens and between the state and its people. Additionally, the project supports participatory service delivery, crucial for preventing and mitigating violent conflict and helping communities transition out of fragility. 

The Role of Traditional and Religious Leaders in Peace-building

Given the dire consequences of conflict, traditional and religious leaders are essential for fostering peace in their communities. Engaging these leaders is the first step in bolstering their efforts to promote peace. Recognized and respected, they are in a unique position to counsel conflicting parties, including politicians and elites, advocating for peaceful dialogue and coexistence. They also play a vital role in healing trauma among conflict victims and providing humanitarian support through their development units, reassuring the public by advocating for continuous prayers.

Grassroots Implementation and Participation

Involving religious and traditional leaders in programs supporting conflict-affected communities is crucial. Providing them with the necessary support enables effective reconciliation efforts. Workshops for these leaders have improved conflict resolution through knowledge-sharing. At the grassroots level, their participation in decision-making processes ensures that the most vulnerable community members benefit. For instance, in projects assisting internally displaced persons who lost their national ID cards, religious leaders helped create lists of potential beneficiaries, ensuring fairness and transparency. Their involvement extends to the rehabilitation and resettlement of internally displaced persons, mobilizing youth to construct socio-economic infrastructures, and establishing committees to monitor these developments. This participatory approach fosters social cohesion and repairs post-conflict physical damage. However, the efforts of religious leaders alone are not sufficient for achieving peace locally.

Ongoing Challenges and Lessons Learned

Despite their significant contributions, religious and traditional leaders in the Far North face challenges. Globalization and social media influence the younger generation more than elder guidance. Political polarization and ethnically driven political culture also cause divisions, even among followers of the same religion. Additionally, the lack support from other stakeholders limits their reach, and political will can sometimes be insufficient, with politicians not fully backing religious organizations' peacebuilding efforts.

To enhance the effectiveness of religious and traditional leaders in peace building, it is crucial to leverage their administrative resources, given their significant role in key administrative positions. Utilizing their knowledge of rituals can also strengthen social cohesion and aid in reconciling divided communities. Establishing connections between religious and secular actors in peace-building processes is crucial for building strong partnerships and promoting collaboration across various networks.

In conclusion, fostering community-led development through traditional and religious leaders in Cameroon’s Far North requires a multifaceted approach. Significant strides can be made towards lasting peace and development in the region by addressing their challenges and supporting their involvement in grassroots initiatives.