Cameroon’s suspension from EITI could have been avoided – Akere Muna

Cameroon’s suspension from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) has stirred discussions about the missed opportunities to avoid such repercussions. Former presidential candidate and prominent lawyer, Akere Muna, emphasised that the country’s expulsion from the programme could have been prevented had it heeded their proposals regarding the Glencore scandal.

On March 1, EITI officially suspended Cameroon from its programme, 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 tied 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 sorrow over the suspension, noting it as the “second of its kind in less than three years.” He lamented that his efforts, alongside Minister Abah Abah, to secure Cameroon’s admission into EITI in 2007 now seem futile, 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 reveal the individuals responsible for the corruption, revealing, “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 press charges. However, the recent expulsion from the transparency initiative is expected to intensify efforts to hold those responsible accountable.

In its 2021 report to EITI, Cameroon acknowledged its heavy dependence on the oil and gas sector, which constitutes around 4% of GDP, 16% of government revenues, and 31% of exports. EITI, while suspending Cameroon, emphasised that more could be done to foster public debate and reform within the country’s extractive industry governance.

EITI, established in 2003, comprises governments, companies, industry groups, international organisations, civil society organisations, and investors. Its mission is to advocate for the open and accountable management of oil, gas, and mineral resources globally.

Mimi Mefo Info