Corruption costs the Cameroonian state more than 114 billion CFA francs in 2023
According to the annual report on the state of the fight against corruption in Cameroon in 2023, the country continues to face heavy financial losses due to corruption. Indeed, more than 114 billion CFA francs were embezzled, causing significant harm to the State. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC), the main institution in the fight against this scourge, revealed these alarming figures, highlighting a clear increase compared to the previous year.
Rise of debt collection institutions
CONAC, supported by the Budgetary and Financial Disciplinary Council and the Special Criminal Court, has conducted several investigations and procedures aimed at recovering the embezzled funds. According to Dieudonné Massi Gams, President of CONAC, the decisions issued by these institutions as well as the fact-finding missions made it possible to establish this colossal sum. The increase in the amount of corruption, which amounts to an additional 109 billion CFA francs compared to 2022, is largely the result of the increase in investigations and cases processed.
Lack of transparency on certain matters
CONAC’s 2023 report, however, does not mention the Glencore and Bourbon cases, where Cameroonian public officials are accused of corruption. Transparency International Cameroon deplores the authorities’ persistent silence on these cases. Henri Njoh Manga Bell, president of the organization, insists on the need for the government to speak out on these cases, although the National Hydrocarbons Company has indicated that the Special Criminal Court has been notified.
Patience and rigor in investigations
In response to these criticisms, Dieudonné Massi Gams called for patience, saying that the investigations into these cases are complex and require rigorous treatment. He added that some of the information collected by CONAC is being verified with the relevant institutions, stressing the international nature of some of the investigations.
Conclusion
The fight against corruption in Cameroon remains a major challenge in 2023, with record financial losses for the State. Although significant efforts have been made to recover embezzled funds, some major cases, such as those of Glencore and Bourbon, remain pending. CONAC insists on the rigor of the ongoing investigations and calls on citizens to be patient, while continuing its commitment against this scourge.
