Title: Three High-Profile Cameroonians Detained over Alleged Financial Misconduct in “Epervier” Operation
Three Cameroonian Figures Held in Yaoundé’s Kondengui Prison
- Louis Max Ohandja, former secretary of state at the Ministry of Public Works
- Jean William Sollo, former head of a public corporation (Camwater)
- Bruno Bekolo Ebe, former rector of the University of Douala
Source: AFP
Allegations of Financial Embezzlement in “Epervier” Operation
Three high-profile Cameroonian figures, including a former cabinet minister and two ex-heads of public corporations, have been taken into pre-trial detention in Yaoundé’s Kondengui Prison over alleged financial misconduct in connection with the ongoing anti-corruption operation “Epervier.”
Accusations Against the Detainees
- Louis Max Ohandja: Overseer of roads department at the Ministry of Public Works, formerly the director of a vocational school at the University of Douala
- Jean William Sollo: Former Director-General of Camwater (2012-2016), responsible for transitioning Camwater’s water distribution services from private enterprise in 2016
- Bruno Bekolo Ebe: Former rector of the University of Douala, former debtor of 2.4 billion FCFA (3.7 million euros) according to the Budgetary and Financial Disciplinary Board in 2014
All three detainees face accusations of financial embezzlement, but the monetary figures involved are yet to be disclosed. The judicial investigation is ongoing.
Investigations and Controversy
Sollo’s Financial Mismanagement at Camwater
Sollo has been under investigation for financial mismanagement within the Cameroon water utilities corporation (Camwater).
Bekolo Ebe and Ohandja’s Alleged Financial Wrongdoing at Douala University
Bekolo Ebe and Ohandja are also suspected of financial wrongdoing at Douala University. In 2014, the Budgetary and Financial Disciplinary Board declared Bekolo Ebe a debtor of 2.4 billion FCFA (3.7 million euros).
The Controversial “Epervier” Operation
The “Epervier” operation, aimed at combating corruption in Cameroon, was initiated in 2006 and has detained numerous former heads of public enterprises and ministers. In 2013, former Prime Minister Inoni Ephraim was sentenced to 20 years in prison for allegedly embezzling public funds totaling over 1.68 billion FCFA (2.56 million euros).
However, the “Epervier” operation is met with controversy in Cameroon. Some former government leaders, like Marafa Hamidou Yaya, view it as a politically motivated “purge.” Yaya, who had previously held significant positions including Minister of Territorial Administration (Interior) and Secretary General to the Presidency, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for allegedly embezzling public funds and was considered a potential successor to Paul Biya in leaked diplomatic documents.