By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
In a landmark gathering in Buea, the historic capital of the South West Region, Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute presided over the 6th session of the Steering Committee for the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development (PPRD) of the North West and South West regions. The session which took place Friday, May 30, 2025 held amidst a warm and symbolic welcome which marked a crucial moment in Cameroon’s ongoing efforts to restore peace, rebuild infrastructure, and revitalise the socio-economic fabric of its conflict-affected Anglophone regions.
The Prime Minister’s presence, alongside senior government officials, governors, parliamentarians, and traditional leaders, underscored the urgency and high-level commitment behind the initiative. At the heart of his address was a message of resilience, gratitude, and sustained action, a strong call to deepen the momentum of national reconciliation and reconstruction.
A presidential vision of peace and unity
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Dion Ngute expressed profound gratitude to President Paul Biya for his unwavering support of the PPRD, describing it as “a gesture that reflects the President’s compassion for the people and commitment to their dignity and development.” He noted that the Plan stemmed from a key recommendation of the 2019 Major National Dialogue, which sought to address the socio-political crisis in the two English-speaking regions. “The Head of State decided to reconstruct the two English-speaking regions,” Ngute declared, “to restore and improve the living conditions of the populations impacted by the crisis.” He called the Plan “an instrument and a service of peace,” lauding it as part of a broader policy of outreach and national unity championed by President Biya.
From recovery to reconstruction
Since its launch in April 2020, the PPRD has made significant strides. Originally focused on recovery; rehabilitating schools, hospitals, and basic infrastructure, it is now evolving to include full-scale reconstruction and long-term development. The Plan is structured around three phases: Recovery, Reconstruction, and Development, with an estimated cost of FCFA 2,500 billion. Each phase aligns with the goals of Cameroon’s National Development Strategy 2020–2030.
Prime Minister Ngute emphasised that while peace was gradually returning, it remained fragile. “Peace is still fragile but very present,” he said. “Thanks to joint efforts both on the socio-economic front and the security front, normalcy is beginning to take root.”
The meeting reviewed achievements under the first five years of implementation, notably through partnerships with the UNDP, France, Japan, the Islamic Development Bank, and the African Development Bank. The UNDP’s technical leadership during the initial phases was applauded for helping lay the groundwork and attract further support.
A call to development partners
PM Dion Ngute used the platform to appeal to international financial institutions and development partners to continue supporting the reconstruction effort. He particularly thanked the French and Italian governments and the Société Économique de France for their contributions, noting that an agreement had just been signed with the latter for the construction of infrastructure in the region. “I once again call on the world’s financial partners to support the recovery of the North West and South West regions,” he urged, “despite the challenging international economic climate.”
Real impact on the ground
During his visit, the Prime Minister toured several projects implemented under the PPRD, including the newly refurbished Government Technical High School (GTHS) Ombe in Tiko and the Islamic School in Buea Town. The GTHS Ombe project alone cost approximately FCFA 142 million and has seen a surge in student enrollment from 30 to over 150 since its rehabilitation. “These results speak for themselves,” Ngute remarked during his tour. “The needs are huge, the resources are not that much, but the government is doing everything possible to ensure a smooth and successful continuity of the plan”, the PM remarked.
The Prime Minister praised the resilience of the local populations and their steadfast support despite years of hardship, noting that their perseverance was a key driver behind the government’s continued investment in the region.
Minister Paul Tasong unveils 2025 Work Plan
Also during the session, Minister Paul Tasong, President of the PPRD Steering Committee, presented the 2025 Annual Work Plan (AWP), detailing upcoming activities, goals, and budget allocations. The 2025 fiscal year marks the first year of implementation of the Special Appropriation Account (SAA), a new financing framework created to ensure transparency and efficiency in the use of funds for reconstruction. The 2025 AWP outlines actions centered on economic revitalisation, infrastructure rehabilitation, and social cohesion. It also integrates the PPRD directly into Cameroon’s broader national financial and development strategies.
A political undertone
While development took center stage, the Prime Minister’s visit also had political significance. On Saturday May 31, he was special guest at a major rally organised by the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), during which militants called on President Paul Biya to stand as a candidate in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October this year. The political and development events appeared interwoven, reflecting the government’s narrative that peace, development, and national unity go hand in hand.
A road still long, but hope hangs
As the session concluded, the Prime Minister urged all stakeholders; government bodies, local authorities, traditional rulers, and the international community to continue working collaboratively for the full realisation of the PPRD’s goals. “Although there is still work to be done,” Ngute said, “this steering committee meeting is vital because it helps us plan meticulously for the future. We must expedite project maturation and secure funding to scale up reconstruction and development.”
In a region that has seen both strife and resilience, the PM’s message was clear: the path to recovery is not without challenges but with unity, determination, and support, the vision of a peaceful and prosperous North West and South West is well within reach.