Combating Corruption: Avoiding Getting Stuck!

C orruption in Cameroon ma­ nifests as a deeply entren­ ched systemic crisis. Bribery and extortion, misappropria­ tion of public funds, fraud and for­ gery, nepotism, favouritism and tax evasion are some of the most com­ mon forms of corruption. Despite efforts made by government and various institutions put in place, the unfortunate situation still per­ sists in the society. The anti-corruption status report for 2025 recently published by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC) indicates that damages in­ curred by the State due to corruption related activities amounted to FCFA six billion two hundred and seventy- one million seventeen thousand four hundred and fifty-six, as com­ pared to FCFA 4,061 billion in 2024. This increase of over FCFA two billion incurred as damages shows that the social ill keeps increasing, thus the need to reinforce combat mechanisms. The charging of fees for officially free services, or de­ manding fees higher than those prescribed by regulations; abuse of office, manifested through the un­ justified withholding of files, un­ reasonable delays in processing them, or arbitrary controls; misap­ propriation of public property; in­ fluence peddling, resulting in biased decisions that cause frustration and tension; and illicit enrichment, are some of the most recurrent mal­ practices in the society. In order to avoid corruption from spreading in the society, some as­ pects need to be reinforced. Amongst them the institution of reforms to give more powers to the National Anti-Corruption Commission, the voting of an anti-corruption law, ensuring a more proactive judicial system with State Prosecutors per­ secuting those caught red-handed, and a systematic repression of those found guilty. Hitting the nail hand on the table will set the tone for others to toe the line, hence pro­ moting integrity in the society. In­ creasing awareness and education on good governance would go a long way to kick-out the social ill. Improved and collective collaboration of all stakeholder...