Cameroon’s Illicit Economies: A Web of Corruption and Conflict

A significant number of Nigerians are embroiled in illicit economies in Cameroon’s south-west and north-west regions, where conflicts have created a fertile ground for criminal activity. Foreign actors from neighboring countries, including Chinese business owners and Turkish officials, have been known to operate across the border, often with impunity.

Corruption within State Institutions

Corruption within state institutions has created a safe haven for criminal actors, with embezzlement of public funds and abuse of office being commonplace. Some government officials and political elites are believed to be directly involved in profiting from illegal activities, including fuel, timber, and wildlife trafficking.

Private Sector Vulnerabilities

The private sector is also exposed to money laundering schemes and terrorist financing, with banks, forestry operators, mining companies, real estate agents, currency exchange offices, dealers in precious metals and stones, and notaries being among the most vulnerable sectors.

Leadership and Governance: Eroding Trust

Long-standing security threats have eroded trust in the government, while inter-communal tensions, politically motivated arrests, and acts of repression have become more common. The national capacity to address organized crime is limited, and current legislation does not comply with international standards.

Perceptions of Corruption

The government has been accused of repressing political opponents, using COVID-19 pandemic restrictions to suppress the right to assemble. Corruption and a lack of transparency are pervasive, leading many Cameroonians to perceive their government as corrupt.

Criminal Justice and Security: Limited Resources

Cameroon’s judicial system is hampered by limited resources and a lack of independence from the executive branch, making it difficult to efficiently process and prosecute cases related to organized crime. Prison conditions fall far below international standards, and perceptions of corruption among Cameroonians are high.

Law Enforcement Challenges

Law enforcement agencies are often politicized, with anti-corruption drives focusing on political opponents of the regime. Corruption within law enforcement has severely weakened efforts to combat organized crime, particularly in customs services and the forestry sector.

Economic and Financial Environment: Gaps Remain

Cameroon has a regulatory framework governing its anti-money laundering responses, but significant gaps remain in its money-laundering regulatory framework. The implementation of regulations is inconsistent due to the absence of a specialized institution to ensure compliance.

Market Conditions

The Cameroonian economy is highly regulated, with governmental price controls and inflation caused by the crisis in Eastern Europe further complicating market conditions.

The treatment of victims of human trafficking remains weak, with no formal policy encouraging victims to participate in investigations or prosecutions. There are also no known governmental mechanisms to support drug users.

Measures to Prevent Organized Crime

Measures to prevent organized crime are limited, with a focus on punishment rather than rehabilitation. Civil society plays a crucial role in combating organized crime, particularly human trafficking and human smuggling, but the government has been criticized for cracking down on organizations that oppose its policies.

Conclusion

Cameroon’s illicit economies are deeply entrenched, with corruption and conflict creating a web of criminal activity. The government must address these issues by implementing effective anti-money laundering measures, strengthening its judicial system, and supporting civil society organizations working to combat organized crime. Until then, the country will continue to struggle with impunity and limited resources to combat the scourge of organized crime.