Cameroon: CONAC presents a CPDM report

The Chairman of the anti-corruption CONAC, Rev. Diuedonne Massi Gams has said 2013 witnessed a growth of more sophisticated corruption techniques and appellations in Cameroon such as “the Chiefs Kola nut, the Lions share, avoid problems, finish with me now, the goat graces where it is tethered, the eye that has seen must be washed and never visit the palace empty hand.” The CONAC boss made the pronouncement during the presentation of the 2013 anti corruption report at the Yaounde Hilton hotel on November 25th. The CONAC head revealed that these proliferated forms of bribery impede the country’s socio-economic development. Contrary to expectations and the traditional naming and shaming of corrupt officials, the Commission decided this time to hide the names of those involved in malpractices.

Massi Gams claimed the “innovation” was in line with the principle that indicted personalities remain innocent until proven guilty. He said, “………the commission has representatives from the Special Criminal Court and other institutions handling financial management and will implement our recommendations.” From the report, SONARA, the national oil refinery, 17 ministries and two public administrative unites, the Special council support fund[FEICOM] and the Public Contract Regulatory Agency recorded vicous corrupt practices. 169 denouncements were received.  26 principals, 8 Bursars mostly from schools in the Centre Region and PTAs were indicted from vices such as corruption in competitive exams, bribery during postings and appointment of teachers, illegal sale of uniforms and other school equipments and disorderly collection of PTA levy. 

The police and the judiciary, had “intentional and selfish delays in the treatment of files, extraction of parts or entire files. The report hinted that the police and Gendarmerie officers including lawyers, notaries and bailiffs have adopted insane practices to extort from clients. CONAC also observed that there has been an increase in mushroom clinics, illegal sale of drugs and fake medical practices in the health sector. The Forestry sector was also reviewed for fraudulent exploitation of protected specie, racketeering of logging companies, fake vouchers, illegal salary increment.

Dubious pension scheme for retired civil servants known as ‘’Mboma” in the Ministry of Public Service, “Al Qaeda” in the taxation department, fake stamps, business licenses and discs are rampant added the report. The CONAC boss recommended that the implementation of the national education program on integrity and the inculcation of African cultural values of the fear of God and respect for human dignity was a means of curbing the cankerworm in the long term.