Cameroon: Corruption and Organized Crime Plague Country

Widespread Corruption and Organized Crime Exposed in New Report

Yaoundé, Cameroon - A recent report has shed light on the pervasive corruption and organized crime plaguing Cameroon, with evidence suggesting that criminal actors from around the world are involved.

Enabling Human Trafficking

• Chinese business owners have been accused of enabling human trafficking by facilitating the granting of visas with little oversight.
• Turkish officials have also been implicated in this process.

Corruption Within State Institutions

• High levels of corruption within state institutions, including the embezzlement of public funds and abuse of office.
• Officials have exploited their positions for personal gain, eroding trust in government.

Vulnerability to Money Laundering Schemes and Terrorist Financing

• The private sector is vulnerable to money laundering schemes and terrorist financing.
• Banks, forestry operators, mining companies, and real estate agents are among those exposed.

Weak Governance and Leadership

• Longstanding security threats, inter-communal tensions, and political repression have eroded leadership and governance.
• The government has repressed political opponents and facilitated various crimes, leading many Cameroonians to perceive it as corrupt.

Inadequate Implementation of Anti-Crime Measures

• Despite ratifying treaties aimed at preventing organized crime, Cameroon’s implementation has been lacking.
• Gaps in domestic legislation allow traffickers to exploit the system.

Judicial System Hampered by Lack of Resources and Limited Independence

• The judicial system is hampered by a lack of resources and limited independence from the executive branch.
• This leads to a backlog of cases and impunity for government officials accused of involvement in organized crime.

Prison Conditions Falling Below International Standards

• Prison conditions fall far below international standards, with prisoners often facing harsh living conditions and inadequate access to healthcare and education.

Law Enforcement Often Politicized

• Anti-corruption drives often target political opponents rather than addressing systemic corruption.
• The government has made efforts to combat organized crime, but corruption among law enforcement agencies has weakened these efforts.

Economic Environment Plagued by Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

• While Cameroon has a regulatory framework in place, significant gaps remain, and implementation is inconsistent due to the lack of a specialized institution to ensure compliance.

Civil Society Organizations Active in Combating Organized Crime

• Civil society organizations are active in combating organized crime, particularly human trafficking and human smuggling.
• However, the government has launched crackdowns on civil society groups that oppose or criticize its policies, leading to concerns over freedom of speech and assembly.

Weak Treatment of Victims of Human Trafficking

• The treatment of victims of human trafficking is weak, with limited support and protection available.
• The government’s approach to preventing organized crime is largely based on punishment rather than prevention and rehabilitation.

International Partners Call for Greater Cooperation and Transparency

• As the country struggles to address these issues, international partners are calling for greater cooperation and transparency in Cameroon’s efforts to combat corruption and organized crime.