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Strengthening Anti-Corruption Legislation in Cameroon

Yaoundé, Cameroon - In a bid to crack down on corruption, Cameroon has been urged to strengthen its anti-corruption legislation to align with international standards.

Call for Revision of Laws

According to an annual report published by the Commission Nationale Anti-Corruption (CONAC), Cameroon’s anti-corruption agency, the country needs to revise its laws to effectively combat corruption. The report highlights several areas that require improvement:

  • Definition of public officials
  • Criminalization of indirect bribery
  • Expansion of the offence of misappropriation

Recommendations for Improvement

The report also calls for the adoption of an offence of abuse of functions more closely aligned with international standards, as well as measures to implement an effective asset declaration system. Additionally, CONAC recommends expanding legislation to address:

  • Offering or giving of an undue advantage to procure influence and benefits accruing to third parties
  • Protection against any unjustified treatment for reporting persons

Furthermore, the report emphasizes the need for Cameroon to strengthen its legal framework to protect witnesses, experts, and victims from potential retaliation or intimidation. This includes:

  • Providing protection against any unjustified treatment for reporting persons
  • Allowing for the possibility to void or rescind a tender vitiated by corruption

Technical Assistance Needs

CONAC has also identified technical assistance needs to improve the implementation of the Convention, including support for the development of procedures for lifting immunities in appropriate cases.

Cameroon’s International Cooperation Efforts

The report also highlights Cameroon’s international cooperation efforts in the fight against corruption. While the country does not have a general extradition act or mutual legal assistance act, it has signed several bilateral treaties and multilateral agreements with other countries, including:

  • Extradition treaties with three countries
  • Agreements on judicial cooperation with regional organizations such as CEMAC and OCAM

However, the report notes that Cameroon’s extradition procedure is cumbersome and requires dual criminality, which can limit its effectiveness. The country also does not allow “accessory” extradition, making it difficult to prosecute individuals who have committed connected offences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the annual report by CONAC highlights the need for Cameroon to strengthen its anti-corruption legislation and international cooperation efforts to effectively combat corruption. The government must take concrete steps to address these concerns and demonstrate its commitment to eradicating corruption in all its forms.