Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daniel D
Published on 2024-03-03 12:01:32
Cameroon’s suspension from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) has sparked discussions about missed opportunities to prevent such consequences. Akere Muna, a former presidential candidate and prominent lawyer, emphasized that the country’s expulsion from the program could have been avoided if their proposals regarding the Glencore scandal had been heeded.
On March 1, EITI officially suspended Cameroon from its program, citing the nation’s “fairly low overall score (53 points) in EITI implementation.” Despite maintaining EITI reporting and enhancing systematic disclosures, the Central African nation faces suspension until the next validation due to insufficient progress in civil society engagement and government restrictions on freedom of expression and association, as stated on the organization’s website.
The decision is closely linked to Cameroon’s business dealings with Glencore, a company indicted for bribery in accessing oil and other mineral products in Cameroon and other countries. Akere Muna expressed his disappointment over the suspension, describing it as the “second of its kind in less than three years.” He regretted that his efforts, along with Minister Abah Abah, to secure Cameroon’s admission into EITI in 2007 now appear to have been in vain, attributing the current situation to the Glencore case despite their proposed preventive measures.
Akere highlighted the systemic corruption contributing to the opacity in Cameroon’s extractive industry management. He expressed hope that the Glencore case would expose the individuals responsible for the corruption, stating, “That with this, they will get the names of the gravediggers of our country from Glencore.”
Following Glencore’s admission of paying bribes in Cameroon, Akere has initiated legal action in a Cameroonian court to uncover those accountable for the corruption. Glencore admitted to paying 7 billion CFA francs ($11 million) in bribes to officials of the National Hydrocarbons Corporation (SNH) and National Refining Company (SONARA) to secure preferential access to oil between 2011 and 2016, as reported by Reuters.
Despite the serious allegations and the suspension from EITI, Cameroon has yet to file charges. However, the recent expulsion from the transparency initiative is expected to increase efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
In its 2021 report to EITI, Cameroon acknowledged its heavy reliance on the oil and gas sector, which accounts for around 4% of GDP, 16% of government revenues, and 31% of exports. EITI, while suspending Cameroon, stressed that more could be done to promote public debate and reform within the country’s extractive industry governance.
Established in 2003, EITI consists of governments, companies, industry groups, international organizations, civil society organizations, and investors. Its mission is to advocate for the transparent and accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources globally.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
