CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1    Introduction

This chapter introduces the topic of the study, focusing on the role of non-state actors in political governance in Cameroon.  The political landscape in Cameroon has been shaped by various actors beyond the state, including civil society organizations, the private sector, the media, and international organizations. They can in other words be termed as Non state actors (NSA’s). Non-state actors are individuals, organizations, or entities that are not directly affiliated with a government but play significant roles in shaping political, social, and economic processes within a state. Unlike state actors, which refer to government institutions and officials, non-state actors include a wide variety of groups such as civil society organizations (CSOs), international organizations, the private sector, advocacy groups, social movements, and even influential individuals who operate outside the formal structures of the state. These non-state actors play a crucial role in promoting good governance practices by influencing policymaking, advocating for transparency, and holding the government accountable. Non-state actors (NSAs) have become increasingly influential in international relations and global governance. In Cameroon, NSAs have the potential to play a crucial role in strengthening good political governance. The political governance structure of Cameroon has faced numerous challenges, including corruption, lack of political inclusivity, and weakened accountability systems. While the government has made attempts to address these issues, the role of non-state actors has been pivotal in filling the gaps and promoting governance reforms. Non-state actors, including civil society organizations (CSOs), the media, international organizations, and the private sector, have increasingly become essential in fostering political accountability, transparency, and inclusivity. This research seeks to explore how these non-state actors influence and contribute to strengthening political governance in Cameroon, which remains crucial for the country’s development and political stability.^[1] Non-state actors are pivotal in influencing governance and political processes, especially in democratic societies where the government is expected to be accountable to the people. 

These actors help hold governments to account by raising awareness of issues that might otherwise be neglected. For example, NGOs and CSOs play an active role in elections by observing the electoral process, ensuring fairness, and promoting transparency. The media exposes government failures, corruption, and human rights violations, providing a platform for public debate.

1.2 Background to the Study

Cameroon, like many African countries, has struggled with governance challenges, including corruption, limited political participation, and inadequate transparency in decision-making processes. Non-state actors have historically played a significant role in advocating for reforms, especially in a political landscape dominated by state control. Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been at the forefront of promoting democracy, while the media acts as a watchdog in the political sphere. Additionally, international organizations and donor agencies have provided both financial and technical support to strengthen governance structures in the country. ^[2]

Cameroon has faced numerous governance challenges, including corruption; human rights abuses, and electoral irregularities. NSAs, including civil society organizations, the private sector, and community groups, have been actively engaged in promoting good governance in the country. Non-state actors play a vital role in development nationally and globally, especially in the current globalised and multipolar world. The globe was controlled by sovereign nations until the start of the twenty-first century. Non-state actors, including the World Bank, Fitch Rating Inc., Bloomberg, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Transparency International, now dominate international headlines as often as governments in many states do and are frequently able to dramatically impact state decision-making mechanisms (Wijning et al., 2014)^[3]. One major example of non-state entities is non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which are very contemporarily prevalent to change the current day problems in their developmental pursuit across the world. They exist within local, national, and international settings. In recent decades, international decision-making has involved not only governments but also non-state actors (NSAs) like non-profit organizations and private companies. Some people think that involving NSAs in 

global decision-making makes the process more legitimate and democratic, while others argue that NSAs are not accountable to the public and may represent the interests of the powerful. To better understand this issue, it’s essential to explore how different actors, including governments and NSAs, think about the role of NSAs in global decision-making. There are three main arguments for involving NSAs: functionalism, which suggests that NSAs bring expertise and knowledge to the decision-making process; neo corporatism, which argues that NSAs represent the interests of different groups and stakeholders; and democratic pluralism, which claims that NSAs increase the diversity of voices and opinions in the decision-making process. Research on the views of actors participating in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides valuable insights into how different actors think about the role of NSAs in global decision-making, which is crucial for developing effective and legitimate global governance arrangements.

To date there has been no systematic attempt to empirically measure how these rationales for NSA inclusion are perceived by participants involved in international policy-making processes. In this article we offer a novel empirical assessment of how these normative arguments for NSA inclusion are reflected in the views held by a range of actors, non-state and state actors alike, participating in the Conference of the Parties (COPs) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). ^[4]This is in line with previous research using UN summits on environment, human rights and women as “empirical test cases for the emergence and potentially democratizing impact of civil society”. Global environmental politics is one of the policy domains that have the most developed mechanisms for access and participation of NSAs in negotiations. The UN climate conferences have far-reaching mechanisms to include NSAs as observers. In comparison with other policy fields, such as international trade, security, and finance, environmental politics is very inclusive and open in terms of access for NSAs and participatory and deliberative innovations. In the process of state transformation, such as the appearance of new political spaces beyond the territorial nation-state, ‘relocation of politics’ from the state to international and sub-national organizations, diffusion of political power from public authorities to semi-public and private actors, and delegitimization of the state (crisis of the welfare state, state failures, lack of performance), the old ‘paradigm’ of top-down, state-led, command & control ways of steering the states has been replaced by the new forms of governance and policy instruments: network-like arrangements of public and private actors, self-regulation by business organizations, public-private and civic-private partnerships, etc have emerged. Many scholars refer to this as a ‘shift from government to governance’ which is generally referred to as ‘global governance’ in the field of international relations. This new concept of global governance invariably includes the relevance of non-state actors (NSAs) for governing global issues. 

Despite these contributions, the effectiveness of non-state actors in strengthening good governance in Cameroon remains a matter of debate. While these actors have made some positive contributions, they also face numerous challenges. These challenges include political repression, limited resources, and a lack of legal protections for the freedom of association, expression, and the press. Additionally, non-state actors often struggle to build sufficient public support for their initiatives and to overcome entrenched political interests that benefit from the status quo. The role of non-state actors in strengthening political governance in Cameroon thus remains critical but also fraught with complexity. This study seeks to explore the specific roles that these actors play in promoting political accountability, transparency, and inclusivity, and to identify the challenges they face in their efforts to improve governance practices. By examining how civil society organizations, the media, international organizations, and the private sector contribute to political governance, this research aims to better understand the dynamics at play and how these actors can collectively work to promote good governance in Cameroon.^[5]

In this context, the study becomes important not only for understanding the challenges non-state actors face but also for determining how they can be empowered and supported to strengthen governance practices in the country. As Cameroon continues to navigate its political and developmental challenges, the role of non-state actors will be increasingly essential in ensuring that the political system is more responsive, transparent, and accountable to its citizens.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

Cameroon has long been a symbol of relative political stability compared to many of its regional counterparts. However, despite this stability, it faces considerable challenges in its political governance structures. Over the years, Cameroon’s political landscape has been characterized by a centralized system of governance, which has contributed to a concentration of power in the executive branch, particularly in the presidency. While this system has helped maintain national cohesion and security to some extent, it has also resulted in several governance issues, including political repression, lack of political pluralism, corruption, limited freedom of expression, and a lack of transparency in decision-making. These governance challenges have stifled the country’s potential for democratic growth and socio-economic development.  In response to the failures of the state in addressing these governance issues, non-state actors—comprising civil society organizations (CSOs),^[6] the media, international organizations, and the private sector—have become increasingly active in influencing political discourse and contributing to governance processes. These non-state actors have taken on important roles, such as advocating for electoral reforms, promoting human rights, and ensuring government accountability. They have provided a platform for citizens, marginalized groups, and political opposition to voice their concerns, and have played a pivotal role in highlighting issues such as corruption, electoral malpractices, and human rights violations.

Despite these positive contributions, the ability of non-state actors to meaningfully influence political governance in Cameroon is often limited by a variety of structural, political, and socio-economic factors. These actors operate in a political environment where the state retains significant control over many aspects of political and social life. The government’s resistance to external scrutiny, suppression of dissent, and frequent harassment of activists and independent media has limited the space for non-state actors to operate freely. Furthermore, the concentration of political power, particularly in the presidency, has made it difficult for non-state actors to challenge or influence decision-making effectively. The efforts of NSAs, good political governance remains a  challenge in Cameroon. 

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1.4.1 Main Objective

To examine the role of non-state actors in strengthening good political governance in Cameroon.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

• To analyse the current governance framework in Cameroon and identify areas for improvement.
• To examine the role of NSAs in promoting good governance in Cameroon.
• To investigate the challenges and opportunities faced by NSAs in promoting good governance in Cameroon.

1.5 Research Questions

1.5.1 General Research Question

What is the role of non-state actors in strengthening good political governance in Cameroon?

1.5.2 Specific Research Questions

• What are the key governance challenges facing Cameroon, and how can NSAs contribute to addressing these challenges?
• What strategies have NSAs employed to promote good governance in Cameroon, and what have been the outcomes of these efforts?
• What are the challenges and opportunities faced by NSAs in promoting good governance in Cameroon?

1.6 Research Hypotheses

• Null Hypothesis (H₀): There is no significant role of non-state actors in strengthening good political governance in Cameroon.
• Alternate Hypothesis (H₁): Non-state actors play a significant role in strengthening good political governance in Cameroon.

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Tanyi, S. S., & Nkeze, E. (2017). Non-State Actors and the Challenges of Good Governance in Cameroon