Online Dispute Resolution: Its Prospects and Potential for Cameroon

Abstract

Information technology has revolutionized the way consumers and businesses interact around the world. Many consumer goods (such as books, computer software, videos and music) are purchased online over the Internet rather than being sold in physical environments. Similarly, companies have moved much of their commercial activities to the Internet, including proposals, negotiations and signing. However, most dispute resolution processes have not yet taken similar steps; they occur face-to-face even where the disputes occur online. This has resulted in the emergence of a new type of dispute resolution mechanism called Online Dispute Resolution (or ODR). ODR is the use of technology to resolve disputes, and it is being promoted in many countries around the world as a model for civil justice in a digital age. North America, South Africa, Australia and the European Union (EU) are actively promoting ODR, and many ODR projects are underway. As the economic power in central Africa, Cameroon faces many challenges, like any other country, in providing fast and fair solutions to online consumers. Despite this, ODR is not very popular in Cameroon today. This article focuses on the discussion of how to implement ODR in Cameroon. It provides information on the latest developments in the global ODR structure, existing means of dispute resolution in Cameroon, and aims to propose practical considerations in developing ODR for Cameroonian e-commerce.