Engaging Traditional Authorities in the Political Process: Traditional Rulers and Decentralisation in Cameroon

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of traditional authorities in the political process with focus on decentralisation in Cameroon. Over the years, the role and place of traditional chieftaincy has constantly evolved. As custodian of customs and traditions, traditional authorities also known as chiefs, traditional rulers, Fons or Fos have been involved in several different ways in the political process. With colonisation, they played a collaborative role which, serving as relay between the local population and the foreign administration and in the modern state they still engage in the political process as auxiliaries of the central administration. Material and Methods: The methodology consists of document analysis and observation. I identify the legal framework of decentralisation, implemented by Law No. 96/06 of 18 January 1996, and show how the status of traditional authorities has been enhanced with an increase visibility in the decentralised local authority setting combined with their role as auxiliary to the administration. Findings: Findings reveal that bringing in traditional rulers in the decentralisation process does not only enhance their power but also brings them in conflict with other local authorities and their ‘subjects’ particularly when they engage in partisan politics. Implication to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends a genuine collaboration and understanding between traditional authorities and other local stakeholders if the local development goal through decentralisation must be achieved.