Fighting corruption: CONAC maps strategies, strengthens capacity of stakeholders in Littoral.

The event, which began on Monday, February 3, at the Littoral Governor's office, brought together administrative, municipal, judicial, political, traditional, and religious authorities. 

Other attendees included representatives of civil society organisations and members of the national coalition against corruption.

According to the Secretary General of the Littoral Governor's office, Aboubakary Haman Tchiouto, who represented Littoral Governor, "corruption remains a real national concern”.

He said the situation has reached the level where some Cameroonians deprive fellow citizens of their right to wellbeing through corrupt practices despite government efforts to combat the phenomenon.

“The President of the Republic, President Paul Biya, has been waging a fierce battle against corruption for decades, resulting in the creation of CONAC in February 2011. Although CONAC's activities have yielded some progress, the Littoral Region remains below the national average, with a constant progression from 15.40% in 2012-2013 to 30.84% in 2021,” Aboubakary said.

He noted that the average execution rate of the action plan is 26.35%, while the national average is 32.75%. 

“Unfortunately, the execution rates of annual action plans in the Littoral Region rarely exceed 50%,” he said, emphasising the need to join forces to combat corruption more vigorously and surpass the 50% threshold of planned activities.

Littoral Region, foundation of Cameroon

On his part, a member of CONAC's coordination council, Dr. Simon Bolivar Njami Nwandi, who represented the CONAC Chairman at the event, stressed that the Littoral Region is the foundation of Cameroon and that the fight against corruption should be intensified there. 

He noted that this workshop will provide a chance for participants to learn and exchange experiences in combating corruption.

Dr Njami beckoned on every citizen in the Region to take action against corruption. 

"My expectation is that everyone will adopt attitudes and gestures against corruption to cleanse our morals. We have everything at our disposal, but we do nothing to get out of poverty. If you are tempted by a corruptor, denounce them. If you are a victim of a predator, denounce them. CONAC will take care of the matter. This fight requires every responsible citizen to get involved to reduce corruption in our country," he noted. 

During the workshop, participants acquired knowledge and shared practical experiences in fighting corruption. They evaluated the execution of the 2022 action plan against corruption in the region and identified operational actions to be taken in the 2025 plan.    

Pundits say CONAC's efforts to strengthen its capacity and strategy in the Littoral Region are crucial in the fight against corruption. With the support of citizens, they say, the Region can achieve at least 50% results in 2025 and contribute to the country's development. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3360 of Wednesday February 5, 2025