Cameroon once again singled out for its practices in the extraction of its geological resources

Cameroon, a country rich in oil and mining resources, finds itself once again “suspended” by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (Itie).

The organization believes, after evaluating the practices of the last three years, that Cameroon does not fully respect certain requirements in terms of transparency and governance.

View of Douala, economic capital of Cameroon, January 7, 2019 (Illustrative image).

© Wikimedia Commons CC BY SA 4.0 J.NicolasKondaYansa

By: RFI Follow

Advertisement

Read more

Cameroon obtains a “

fairly low

” overall score, to use ITI terminology.

This international organization ensures that the natural resources of member countries are exploited transparently and for the benefit of citizens.

Its board of directors expresses “

its deep concern

” regarding civil society and recalls that Cameroon – to respect its commitments in the implementation of the Itie standard – “

must protect civil society actors against acts of harassment, intimidation, or persecution if they express their opinions on the governance of the gas, oil, mining sectors

.”

Cameroon is also required to disclose all contracts and licenses

” and must make public an explanation of the role of state-owned enterprises, the rules and current practices that govern financial relations between them and the government.

With regard to revenues which do not pass through the accounts of the Public Treasury, their allocation must be explained

,” continues the body. 

Regarding the notable cases of the last three years,

the confessions of the multinational Glencore

, in 2022, “

concerning the payment of bribes, the corruption of representatives of the National Oil Company

(SNH)

and the national company (Sonara) between 2012 and 2015 raises

, for the ITI, "

significant concerns about the credibility

" of Cameroon's efforts in terms of transparency. 

The Itie makes a whole series of recommendations.

Next point in eighteen months, then in 2027. Without progress, Cameroon is exposed to delisting.

Newsletter

Receive all the international news directly in your inbox

I subscribe

Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application

Share :

Continue reading on the same themes:

  • Cameroon

  • Industry