Fight Against Poverty: Civil Society Unites

The 7th edition of the Littoral Civil Society Organizations Platform (PLAFOSCIL) Forum took place on April 30, and served as a critical response to the evolving challenges of decentralization in Cameroon. While the Littoral region remains an economic powerhouse, it is currently grappling with intensifying demographic pressure, social exclusion, and widening territorial disparities. As a result, it came out from the forum that decentralization cannot succeed through the actions of Decentralized Territorial Collectivities (CTDs) alone. Participants at the forum emphasized the urgent need for structured, synergistic cooperation between local government and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The forum, held under the theme: “How Local Government/ CSO Partnerships Can Reduce Poverty and Inequality in the Littoral Region”, was to shift informal community interactions into formal, sustainable partnerships. “By working closely with municipalities, we can ensure that no one is left behind”, stated Kaptouom Marius, Executive Secretary of PLAFOSCIL. He further underscored the role of CSOs as the primary observers of the population's most immediate needs. The event saw over 54 active CSOs representing grassroots interests. The primary ob...