Barrister Muna criticises increase in ID Card cost as punishment for the Poor

A recent hike in the cost of obtaining a national identification card in Cameroon has sparked significant dissent among citizens, with criticism coming from anti-corruption crusader and former presidential candidate, Barrister Akere Muna.

Muna argues that this new measure disproportionately affects the poor, exacerbating their financial burdens during already challenging economic times.

The Cameroon government recently increased the cost of the fiscal stamp required for national ID cards from FCFA 2,800 to FCFA 10,000.

When additional necessary documents such as the certificate of nationality and fiscal stamps are factored in, the total cost can rise to FCFA 15,000—one-third of the country’s minimum wage.

Akere Muna, leader of the Now Movement, which is dedicated to combating corruption in Cameroon, has been vocal about the negative implications of this increase.

“By raising the cost of the fiscal stamp on the identity card to FCFA 10,000, we are pushing some poor citizens to commit an offense. This is a measure that punishes the poor,” he stated.

According to Cameroonian law (Law No. 90/042 of December 19, 1990, Article 5), failure to present a valid identity card is considered an offense, making it mandatory for all citizens to possess one.

Barrister Muna suggested an alternative source of revenue for the government, pointing to Glencore, a multinational commodity trading and mining company that has admitted to bribing officials at SONARA (Société Nationale de Raffinage) and SNH (Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures).

“Even if the government needed money, it should collect it from Glencore, which has bribed and corrupted Cameroonians working at Sonara and SNH,” he said.

Calculating the financial impact of the new measure, Muna explained, “If you consider the other documents required, a certificate of nationality, a certified copy of your birth certificate, and other incidental expenses, you are way above the 10,000 CFA.

“For every 10,000,000 (ten million) Cameroonians, the government will collect 100,000,000,000 CFA (one hundred billion). Why should the poor citizen bear this burden? The government can collect at least 900,000,000,000 (nine hundred billion) from the confessed master of corruption, GLENCORE. How much longer must we protect their accomplices in SONARA and SNH?”

This increase in ID card costs follows a pattern of similar government measures, such as the recent partnership between the National Delegation of National Security and a German firm to produce ID cards within 48 hours.

This move is reminiscent of the increase in passport costs, which rose to FCFA 110,000 to facilitate issuance within two days.

Despite these measures, including a tax on mobile money services and increases in both passport and ID card fees, the Cameroon Government remains heavily indebted and continues to borrow money from the World Bank, IMF, China and other bodies to execute vital projects.

This has led to widespread public outcry and questions about the allocation of these funds. Many citizens are demanding greater transparency and accountability, asking where the money generated from these increased fees is being spent.

Barrister Muna concluded his criticism by echoing a sentiment expressed by Pope Francis: “As the Pope once said, you judge a country by the way it treats its poorest.”

©Mimi Mefo Info