Central Africa Reboots Cross-Border Conservation: Sangha Tri-National Committee Reconvenes In Bayanga, CAR

In a major step forward for Central African biodiversity and regional diplomacy, Cameroon recently participated in the 9th Ordinary Session of the Tri-National Follow-up Committee, CTS for the Sangha Tri-National, TNS protected area complex. The meeting that held in Bayanga, Central African Republic, CAR from July 16-18, 2026, with the Cameroonian delegation headed by Mr. Nouhou Bello, the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO (Prefect) for Boumba and Ngoko Division in the East Region.

Strategic Importance

The summit carried exceptional strategic weight, marking the formal resumption of CTS statutory meetings after nearly five years of suspension. Caused by institutional, security, financial, and organizational bottlenecks. The primary objectives of the meeting were to relaunch the governance framework of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Evaluate the implementation status of past decisions, and establish strategic guidelines for the 2026–2028 period.

Cameroon’s Key Contributions

Under the leadership of Mr. Nouhou Bello, the Cameroonian delegation drove several key consensus points, advocating for establishing regular, binding meetings for monitoring bodies. Strengthening operational cooperation among administrative, judicial, security, and conservation authorities across all three nations. Improving joint operational mechanisms to combat transboundary poaching, illegal natural resource extraction, and environmental crime.

Capacity building for the Tri-National Brigade and establishing permanent security dialogue channels. Standardizing free-movement procedures and badging systems for field staff and tourists. Adopting a practical Three-Year Plan aligned with available resources, alongside better alignment of donor and technical partner initiatives.

Mr. Nouhou Bello emphasized the critical role local administrative authorities play in fostering transboundary cooperation, preventing local conflicts, and maintaining institutional stability across the TNS complex.

Major Outcomes, Decisions Adopted

At the conclusion of the three-day summit, delegates adopted a suite of key agreements: Validation of the consolidated 2021–2026 TNS Conservation Report. Adoption of the 2025–2027 Three-Year Plan and the 2026–2028 Operational Roadmap. Approval of standardized procedures for issuing and managing free-movement badges across borders.

Adoption of a tentative schedule for future governance meetings. Consolidation of technical dossiers ahead of the upcoming Tri-National Committee for Supervision and Arbitration, CTSA session. And signature of the Final Communiqué by the Prefects representing the three state parties.

Challenges Identified

Despite the success of the meeting, delegates highlighted several ongoing constraints that could impede execution. These include chronic shortfalls in funding dedicated to shared activities; persistent border security threats; coordination gaps among certain executing partners; and delays accumulated during the five-year suspension of governance sessions.

Strategic Recommendations

To address these hurdles, the summit made key recommendations: Deepen administrative and security partnerships among the three states; establish strict monitoring mechanisms for all Bayanga decisions; boost logistical and financial backing for joint field patrols and anti-crime operations. Build operational capacity within regional territorial administrations and improve synergy between national authorities, NGOs, and international financial partners.

Strong, Multi-Disciplinary Attendance

Led by Senior Divisional Officer Nouhou Bello, Cameroon’s delegation reflected a comprehensive, inter-agency approach to transboundary management. The delegation comprised administrative and judicial authorities; high-ranking officials from the Defense and Security Forces and divisional officials from the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife.

As well a...