11/04/2026
Heritage University & the Nico Halle Law Firm: Celebrating 3 Years of Impactful Collaboration
On Friday, 10th April 2026, the Heritage Higher Institute of Peace and Development Studies, in partnership with the Nico Halle and Co. Law Firm, organized a high-level peacebuilding workshop at the Conference Hall of the Halle Law Firm in Douala.
The conference marked the 3rd anniversary of the impactful collaboration between the two institutions, headed respectively by Professor Willibroad Dze-Ngwa and Dr. Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including two Catholic priests, two Presbyterian pastors, two Baptist pastors, and two Muslim clerics; four traditional rulers; four university dons; eight journalists; as well as youth and women leaders and civil society actors. Mwalimu George Ngwane of the National Commission for Bilingualism and Multiculturalism was present and made impactful contributions to the discussions.
These carefully selected participants gathered to reflect on the theme: “Justice, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation in Cameroon.”
Following the welcome address by the host and a presentation of the aims of the workshop, a series of presentations ensued.
In his keynote address, titled “Exploring Justice, Peacebuilding and Reconciliation in Cameroon,” Sir Dr. Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle emphasized that peace begins with the individual. He highlighted love, truth, integrity, and accountability as the foundation of justice, while warning that society is gradually drifting from value-based leadership toward self-centered governance.
On his part, Rev. Fr. Dr. Tata Humphrey Mbuy presented on “Traditional Rulers as Guarantors of Justice, Peace and Reconciliation in Cameroon: The Reality in Contemporary Rural Cameroon.” He explored the role of traditional rulers in peacebuilding, explaining that beyond administration, they serve as spiritual and cultural custodians of justice and unity.
However, he noted that their influence has declined due to political interference, loss of autonomy, and financial challenges. He called for their restoration, proper recognition, and neutrality to enable them to effectively contribute to peace at the grassroots.
The third presentation, delivered by Dr. Colonel (Magistrate) Didier Sipa, focused on “Mediation as an Alternative Mechanism for Justice and Peacebuilding in Cameroon.” He emphasized that when effectively applied, mediation remains one of the most practical solutions to conflict. While acknowledging that conflict is inevitable, he stressed that the approach to resolving it is crucial.
Mediation, he explained, promotes dialogue, mutual understanding, and the restoration of relationships, making it a more sustainable alternative to purely legal or force-based methods.
In the final presentation, Prof. Willibroad Dze-Ngwa spoke on the need for “a broad-based, inclusive and participatory engagement in peacebuilding.” He stressed that peacebuilding must involve all stakeholders, including local administrators, traditional and religious leaders, researchers, civil society organizations, youth and women leaders, and public communicators.
He underscored the importance of both vertical and horizontal accountability, noting that leaders must be answerable both to higher authorities and to the people. He concluded that without inclusiveness and accountability, peace efforts cannot be sustainable.
Each presentation was enriched by engaging and thought-provoking question-and-answer sessions.
Another highlight of the workshop was the cutting of the 3rd anniversary cake, symbolizing the fruitful collaboration between the two institutions.
The workshop reinforced a clear message: sustainable peace in Cameroon requires inclusive participation and commitment from every individual.
Notably, attendance exceeded expectations, with seventy participants present instead of the initially planned fifty.
The conference was skillfully co-moderated by Dr. Ako John of Douala and Mrs. Megha Henrietta of HEHIPEDS.
The note-taker was Mrs. K*m Doris Mbeuh.
The workshop concluded with a call for such workshops to be multiplied to every region of the country seeds; and the distribution of certificates of participation, followed by refreshments.
11th April, 2026.
