Cameroon’s Parliament has adopted the 2024 Settlement Bill, which outlines the government’s income and expenditure for the 2023 financial year. However, the presentation and swift adoption of the bill frustrated several Members of Parliament (MPs). They criticised the delays in its presentation and the limited time for thorough legislative scrutiny.
Delayed Presentation Sparks Concerns
Finance Minister Louis Paul Motaze presented the Settlement Bill on November 18, 2024. The bill details the government’s financial activities, revealing that the 2023 State budget was balanced with both revenues and expenditures totaling FCFA 6,662.5 billion. Minister Motaze explained how the government mobilized resources through project loans, public securities, bank financing, budget support, and exceptional financing.
However, MPs raised concerns over the timing of the bill’s presentation. Under Law No. 2007/006 of December 26, 2007, on the Finance Regime of the State, the government must submit the draft Finance Bill, along with its mandatory attachments, to the Bureau of Parliament at least 15 days before the start of the budgetary session. This requirement allows MPs time to review and scrutinize the document. Yet, in this case, the bill was tabled on November 18, just days before the session’s conclusion, leaving MPs little time for a thorough examination.
Frustration Over Hasty Adoption
The expedited process frustrated lawmakers. The Finance and Budget Committee, led by Hon. Moutymbo Rosette Epse Ayayi, had limited time to review the extensive document. The committee began its scrutiny on November 18, and the bill was adopted shortly thereafter, raising concerns about the depth of analysis and debate.
This issue has occurred in previous years as well. Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt Hon Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, had previously criticized MPs for rushing through finance bills without sufficient amendments or debate, stressing the importance of a thorough legislative process.
Implications for Transparency and Governance
The swift adoption of the Settlement Bill raises concerns about financial transparency and governance in Cameroon. The Settlement Bill serves as a critical tool for accountability, allowing legislators and the public to assess how the government spent public funds. Rushed procedures, however, could undermine this oversight function, potentially allowing discrepancies or inefficiencies to go unaddressed.
The continued delays and quick adoptions could also erode public trust in the legislative process. For a country seeking greater economic stability and development, ensuring that financial legislation receives careful scrutiny is essential.
Calls for Legislative Reform
In response to these concerns, growing calls for reform are emerging. Parliamentarians and civil society groups are urging the government to follow established timelines strictly, allowing MPs adequate time for review and debate. Such reforms are seen as crucial to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.
