Yaoundé: anti-corruption agency calls for stronger powers after 20 years of limited progress

Twenty years after its creation, Cameroon’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (Conac) continues to face limited cooperation from government institutions, delays in the implementation of its recommendations and legal restrictions on its authority. Of the 270 organizations contacted to contribute to its 2025 report on corruption in Cameroon, only 112 responded, while the remaining 158 provided no information.

Conac Chairman Dieudonné Massi Gams disclosed the figures on October 8, 2026, in Yaoundé, during the presentation of the commission’s annual report. The low response rate highlights the difficulties the institution continues to face despite two decades of anti-corruption efforts since its establishment on March 11, 2006.

In the report’s foreword, Massi Gams acknowledged that public awareness campaigns, investigations and corruption reporting mechanisms have not been enough to eliminate practices that remain widespread in public administration. He also noted that recommendations issued after investigations are not always implemented as quickly as expected. Reflecting on Conac’s record, Massi Gams described its first two decades as neither a complete success nor a failure. He nevertheless pointed to progress in public awareness and the establishment of corruption prevention mechanisms.

Investigative Powers Without Authority to Prosecute

One of the main obstacles identified in the report concerns the limits of Conac’s legal authority. Under the decree of March 11, 2006, the commission can receive corruption complaints, conduct investigations and gather evidence. However, it cannot initiate criminal prosecutions on its own.

Article 22 of the decree requires Conac to submit investigation files to the president of the Republic for appropriate decisions. In cases where an offense is caught in progress, the commission’s chairman can refer the matter directly to the minister responsible for justice.

Massi Gams believes this arrangement restricts Conac’s ability to act on corruption offenses uncovered through its investigations.

He also criticized the continued failure to effectively implement mandatory asset declarations for public officials. The requirement is established under Article 66 of Cameroon’s Constitution and governed by a law enacted on April 25, 2006. Two decades later, Conac considers the lack of effective implementation an obstacle to detecting illicit enrichment and monitoring changes in the wealth of people who hold public office.

The commission also faces insufficient resources and increasingly complex corruption practices, particularly those associated with the development of digital technologies. According to its 2025 report, financial losses linked to corruption cases identified during the year reached CFA6.27 billion, compared with CFA4.06 billion in 2024. These figures represent losses identified through the oversight and investigative mechanisms covered by the report.

To strengthen the country’s anti-corruption framework, Massi Gams called for updated legislation, more consistent implementation of Conac’s recommendations and stronger protections for people who report corruption. He also recommended greater use of digital tools and artificial intelligence to help prevent and detect corruption.

Source: Sbbc