Cameroon: Corruption and Human Trafficking Run Rampant Amidst Political Unrest

A Perfect Storm for Corruption and Human Trafficking

A deepening political crisis in Cameroon has created a perfect storm for corruption and human trafficking to flourish, with evidence suggesting that criminal actors from around the world are involved.

Enabling Environment for Criminal Activity

• Chinese business owners and Turkish officials have been implicated in enabling human trafficking by facilitating the granting of visas with little oversight.
• High-level corruption within state institutions provides a safe haven for criminal activity, with embezzlement of public funds and abuse of office rampant.

Rife Corruption in Private Sector

The country’s private sector is also riddled with money laundering schemes and terrorist financing, with:

• Banks exposed to illegal activities
• Forestry and wildlife operators involved in corrupt practices
• Mining companies and real estate agents facilitating criminal activity
• Currency exchange offices and dealers in precious metals and stones linked to organized crime
• Notaries complicit in fraudulent transactions

Eroding Trust and Faith in Government

Longstanding security threats have eroded trust and faith in the government, leading to:

• Inter-communal tensions
• Politically motivated arrests
• Other forms of repression

Limited National Capacity to Address Organized Crime

The national capacity to address organized crime remains limited, with current legislation failing to meet international standards.

Plagued Judicial System

The judicial system is also plagued by corruption and a lack of transparency, with:

• Perceptions of corruption high among Cameroonians
• Prison conditions falling far below international standards
• Law enforcement agencies often politicized, targeting political opponents of the regime

Border Porosity Exacerbates Problem

Border porosity has made it easy for traffickers to smuggle drugs, arms, and natural resources across the border, while:

• Corruption among border police and customs officers exacerbates the problem

Ineffective Law Enforcement Agencies

Despite efforts by the government to address organized crime, including training law enforcement agencies and cooperating with international organizations, corruption within these agencies has severely weakened their effectiveness.

Economic Challenges

The economic environment is also challenging, with:

• A highly regulated market influenced by governmental price controls
• The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbating difficulties, leading to inflation and economic instability

Role of Civil Society Organizations

Civil society organizations are playing a crucial role in combating organized crime, particularly human trafficking and drug use.

Government’s Weak Response

However, the government’s approach to prevention and support for victims remains weak, with:

• No formal policy encouraging victims to participate in investigations or prosecutions

Threats to Media Landscape

The country’s media landscape is also under threat, with:

• Journalists frequently threatened with verbal or physical aggression, arbitrary detention, and imprisonment
• The government’s crackdown on civil society organizations that oppose or criticize its policies raising concerns

Urgent Need for International Support

Overall, Cameroon’s political crisis and corruption have created a fertile ground for human trafficking, money laundering, and other forms of organized crime to thrive. Efforts by the international community to support the country in addressing these issues are urgently needed to prevent further harm to its citizens and reputation.