MINDDEVEL Commemorates Commonwealth Day 2026: Strengthening Ties for a Prosperous Commonwealth

The Ministry of Decentralization and Local Development affirmed its strategic commitment during the 2026 Commonwealth Day celebrations in Yaounde. From 3 March  to 4 March 2026, the Ministry demonstrated that the path to a prosperous Commonwealth is paved through strong local governance and active public engagement.

Under the inspiring theme, ‘‘ Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth,’’ MINDDEVEL joined diplomatic circles, educators, and various public institutions to celebrate the shared values of this global family.

A Symbolic Start: Flags, Youth, and Diplomacy

The festivities launched on Monday 3 March 2026, with a colorful flag-hoisting ceremony at the Ministry of External Relations. Presided over by the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Mr Felix Mbayu, the event was a powerful reminder of Cameroon’s international ties. Representing the Minister of Decentralization and Local Development, Mrs Essoh Catherine, née Mugha Nfor (Technical Adviser No. 2), led the MINDDEVEL delegation. A key highlight of the morning was the celebration of the next generation, as prizes were awarded to students for their excellence in Commonwealth-related educational activities—aligning perfectly with the Ministry’s vision of inclusive development.

 

Showcasing Decentralization at the Yaounde City Hall

The heart of the celebration moved to the Yaounde City Hall for the official Exhibition Week. MINDDEVEL curated a sophisticated stand that served as a one-stop shop for information on local governance.

Visitors explored a rich collection of institutional assets, including:

  • The General Code of Regional and Local Authorities
  • Legislative Documents
  • A high-impact preview of Magazine 021, featuring the newly elected Presidents of Regional Assemblies.

During his guided tour, Minister Mbayu Felix visited the MINDDEVEL stand, where he commended the captivating presentation of the Ministry’s work. He particularly encouraged the team to continue their mission of popularizing the General Code, ensuring every citizen understands their rights and roles in the decentralization process.

Engaging the Public: A Bilingual Exchange

Day two saw the MINDDEVEL stand become a hub of activity. Staff of the Communication and Public Relations Division engaged with a steady stream of visitors in both English and French. The public showed a keen interest in:

  • The core functions and mandate of the Ministry.
  • The status of ongoing development projects within their respective Regional and Local Authorities (RLAs).
  • Growth opportunities unlocked by the decentralization process.

By distributing institutional magazines and legislative instruments, the Ministry bridged the gap between policy and the people, fostering a culture of transparent and accessible governance.

A Legacy of Excellence

In recognition of its high-quality presentation and thematic relevance, MINDDEVEL was honoured with a Certificate of Participation and special accolades for its creative alignment with the year’s theme.

The Commonwealth Exhibition Week successfully demonstrated the synergy between national development goals and Commonwealth values.