AN ASSESSMENT INTO THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION TO THE SUSTAINABILITY OF DEMOCRACY   IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

A vibrant civil society is sine qua non to the sustenance of any nation‘s development. Studies have shown that the role of civil society groups is vital in the political, social and economic development of African countries. According to Yohanness (1997), this role can be view from three dimensions. First, improving the quality of governance; second, developing the capacity of governments to apply the principles of accountability, transparency and openness; third, working towards gaining the commitment of all elected officials, public servants, and NGOs to good governance. In view of this, one can infer that, CSO‘s have, contributed immensely to democratic consolidation and sustainable development. 

According to Sule et al (2021) in the modern era, the term "civil society" refers to nonprofit and individual self-help groups, institutions, and agencies that have been recognized as key tools for advancing democracy, good governance, civil rights, and democratization. Similarly, Azis (2018), the notion of civil society organization is essential to both human growth and progress in general. However, it is crucial to note that the growing influence of civil society in development has called into question the fundamental notion of mainstream development, which places the state at the center and places a heavy emphasis on infrastructure development. 

Fundamentally, the character of post-democratization polities and democratic transitions is also significantly influenced by civil society. According to Ogbe et al. (2020), maintaining democracy is done by defending and advancing people's right to vote, as well as democratic values and culture. It is the process of promoting all parts of democracy and fostering a positive democratic environment for the benefit of the present generation and the next to come (Abdulsalam, 2020;,EU, 2022&Moldavanova et al 2023) have emphasized that for full protection of human rights to be achieved, civil society is both a necessary component of functioning democracies and essential but unreasonable limitations on the space available to civil society organizations harm the implementation of international human rights norms. While democratization may precede socioeconomic development, such systems may initially be fragile and encounter difficulties in sustaining liberal democracy but civil societies have been seen giving their voice in such situations. Civil society organizations are in favor of the rule of law, individual freedom of expression, and other groups' rights to exist under a democratic system of governance. Although civil society organizations are permitted to interact with political parties and the government, they must uphold their independence and refrain from striving for political influence.

Contextually, Civil society organisations (CSOs) have emerged as essential players in the process of democratisation in Cameroon. These organisations have played major roles in lobbying for political changes, supporting human rights, and encouraging civic participation. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), grassroots movements, professional associations, and advocacy groups are all examples of the types of organisations that fall under the umbrella of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Cameroon. According to Bayemi (2017), these organisations function within a dynamic environment that is caused by a combination of political, social, and economic forces. Through the years, civil society organisations (CSOs) have participated in a wide range of activities with the objective of furthering democracy. These efforts include voter education, election monitoring, legal advocacy, and community mobilisation. There are persistent issues in Cameroon, such as corruption, election irregularities, and limits on civil rights (Konings, 2018). Despite their efforts, the sustainability of democracy in Cameroon remains problematic. Such challenges include restrictions on civil freedoms. 

1.2 Statement of the problem

The political landscape of Cameroon has been somewhat complicated ever since the nation gained its independence in 1960. Cameroon is a country that is characterized by linguistic and cultural diversity. In spite of the fact that transitions towards multiparty democracy occurred in the early 1990s, difficulties to democratic governance continue to exist. These problems include concerns pertaining to election integrity, breaches of human rights, and centralized power structures (Fonteh, 2018). Research conducted by academics on the contributions of civil society organizations (CSOs) to democracy in Cameroon has been expanding, which is a reflection of the rising understanding of the role that civil society plays in governance and development. 

Studies by Mbaku (2019) have been conducted to investigate the methods, effects, and restrictions that civil society organizations (CSOs) confront in their attempts to democratize their organizations. However, there are still gaps in our knowledge of the precise ways in which civil society organisations (CSOs) contribute to the sustainability of democratic institutions and the elements that determine the success of CSOs in this respect (Awasom, 2019).  Within the framework of this discussion, the role that civil society organisations (CSOs) play and the influence they have on the advancement and maintenance of democracy have received a substantial amount of attention. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the unique contributions that civil society organisations (CSOs) make to the survival of democracy in Cameroon.. Hence, the study will assess the contributions of civil society organization to the sustainability of democracy in Cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the contributions of civil society organization to the sustainability of democracy in Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

Assess the extent to which CSOs in Cameroon engage in activities that promote democratic values and principles.

Identify challenges encountered by CSOs in their efforts to enhance democratic governance and suggest potential strategies for improvement.

Evaluate the level of institutional support provided to CSOs by the government

Propose recommendations for enhancing the sustainability of democracy in Cameroon

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared to further guide the study

What is the extent to which CSOs in Cameroon engage in activities that promote democratic values and principles?

What are the challenges encountered by CSOs in their efforts to enhance democratic governance and suggest potential strategies for improvement?

What is the level of institutional support  provided to CSOs by the government?

What are the proposed recommendations for enhancing the sustainability of democracy in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There are no contributions of civil society organization to the sustainability of democracy in Cameroon.

Ha: There are significant contributions of civil society organization to the sustainability of democracy in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the study

This study aims to enhance our knowledge of the role that civil society plays in democratic governance by analyzing the roles, difficulties, and tactics of civil society organizations (CSOs). Additionally, it strives to give insights for policymakers, practitioners, and activists who are working towards promoting democracy in Cameroon. Understanding the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in promoting democracy and accountability can provide valuable insights for policymakers in Cameroon. By comprehending the effectiveness of these organizations, policymakers can design better policies to support and enhance their contributions.

Empirically, the study will add to the academic literature on democratization and governance in Africa, particularly in the context of civil society's role. It provides a foundation for further research and analysis, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in this field.

1.7 Scope of the study

The study focuses onthe contributions of civil society organization to the sustainability of democracy  in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will assess the extent to which CSOs in Cameroon engage in activities that promote democratic values and principles, identify challenges encountered by CSOs in their efforts to enhance democratic governance and suggest potential strategies for improvement, evaluate the level of institutional support  provided to CSOs by the government and propose recommendations for enhancing the sustainability of democracy in Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.9 Definition of terms

Civil society: the wide array of non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations that have a presence in public life, expressing the interests and values of their members or others, based on ethical, cultural, political, scientific, religious or philanthropic considerations.

Democracy: government by the people