Visionary Reports

How can Douala blend modernity with beauty? This crucial question was at the heart of the 5th Agora Citizen, an event organized by Les Amis de la Ville de Douala under the patronage of the Douala city council

The two-day forum, held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, at the Akwa Party Hall, brought together diverse stakeholders to brainstorm solutions for the city’s complex urban challenges.The event kicked off with opening remarks delivered by Mrs. Ebune Nicoline, representing the Governor of the Littoral Region, and Dr. Gérémie Sollè, the First Deputy City Mayor, representing the Mayor of Douala.According to Yonn Lissom the event’s promoter, Douala’s rapid urban expansion has created a challenging and sometimes chaotic environment. “The urban spread of Douala produces a complex space that is increasingly difficult to manage—a space that is sometimes violent, with blurred limits,” Lissom explained to the press. This complexity has prompted residents, community leaders, and traditional authorities to actively seek ways to improve and beautify their urban surroundings. “They express their desire to see their city become more beautiful and modernize,” he added.Lissom emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of Douala’s residents to define the most appropriate path for the city’s modernization, not only for current generations but also to forge a compromise for future ones. He underscored the importance of shared vision, drawing a parallel to Nicolas Boileau’s timeless wisdom: “What is well conceived is clearly expressed.”Douala, like any major city, is a vibrant hub of social, economic, and cultural activities, where diverse communities with varying aspirations coexist. However, the city faces significant hurdles. The transformation of lifestyles, a lack of strong urban roots among many residents, cultural diversity, and the powerful influence of economic forces on urban development all contribute to the difficulties faced by urban planners. This underscores the vital need to strengthen local dialogue on urban planning.

“What kind of city do the people of Douala want, and what are the priorities?” Lissom posed. While everyone desires a modern and beautiful city, these concepts are inherently subjective. Therefore, all stakeholders must collaboratively define what modernity and beauty mean for Douala’s present and future.Les Amis de la Ville de Douala is committed to supporting the city’s governance by advocating for the inclusive consideration of economic, social, and governance factors. Simultaneously, the association aims to educate citizens on “urbanity,” encompassing both their rights and duties within the urban landscape. Lissom extended an invitation to neighborhood leaders, who intimately understand the daily struggles and joys of their communities, to voice their expectations to those responsible for planning and building the city.Over the two days, participants engaged in discussions across six critical topics: urban mobility, infrastructure, urban aesthetics, health and environment, and art and culture.Dr. Gérémie Sollè, First Deputy City Mayor, acknowledged the strides made by the current council executive. While recognizing that much work remains, he expressed optimism that such collective participation in the development process will significantly contribute to making Douala a better place for all its inhabitants.Nevertheless,the event concluded with a vote of thanks to the administrative authorities for their support and presence, and to the Mayor of Douala for his significant material contribution. Gratitude was also extended to the Regional Delegates of MINDUH for the littoral and all participants who dedicated their time to this crucial debate. The ultimate goal, as Lissom articulated, is to present an inclusive, clear, ambitious, and widely accepted urban development program that integrates all sustainable development goals.