ASSESSMENT OF CORRUPTION AND TRANSPARENCY IN CAMEROON'S POLITICAL SYSTEM

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

One of the pervasive social and professional practices that undermines the smooth operation of governments, businesses, and society is corruption. Berlinski (2019) identifies "bribery, fraud, embezzlement, kickbacks, cronyism, and extortion" as examples of corrupt behaviours which in recent times,  has become a serious concern in developing nations and a major obstacle to effective government, particularly in Africa. As a deterrent to both domestic and international corrupt practices in business, Kolk & Tulder (2020) added that the majority of developing democracies have experienced this phenomenon, despite their governments' continued aspirations to fully join the modern global markets that set high ethical standards for corporate business operations. According to research conducted by the World Bank, the annual cost of corruption is over one trillion dollars and accounts for up to twelve percent of the gross domestic product in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Venezuela (Nwabuzor, 2021).

Evidently, it is clear that corruption has long been acknowledged in Cameroon as a major obstacle to political progress that affects social justice, economic growth, and governance. Scholars, decision-makers, and foreign observers have all noted how widespread corruption is in the nation's political system, which has prompted a number of research and analyses attempting to comprehend its origins, expressions, and consequences for society and politics. Cameroon routinely receives poor scores on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which rates nations based on perceived levels of corruption, suggesting a significant prevalence of corruption in the country's public and political sectors. Transparency International (2018) states that the index is a gauge of a nation's general level of government transparency as well as the efficacy of anti-corruption initiatives. 

Without a doubt, a number of issues, such as institutional flaws, a dearth of oversight procedures, and a climate of impunity among the political elite, are to blame for the origins of corruption in Cameroon's political system. 

Ndoumbe (2018) provided additional support for this claim by pointing out that the nation's past of concentrated power and authoritarian governance under President Paul Biya's administration—which has ruled the country since 1982—has contributed to the concentration of wealth and power among a small political elite and created an atmosphere that is favourable to corruption. Furthermore, corrupt practices have been sustained by the complex interactions between political patronage, nepotism, and rent-seeking behaviour. Public resources are frequently misappropriated for personal benefit rather than used for the greater good. According to (Ngomba, 2020), this has had a negative impact on attempts to reduce poverty, create infrastructure, and provide public services. It has also been shown to exacerbate social inequality and erode public confidence in government institutions. 

Given these situation, a thorough evaluation of Cameroon's political system's openness and corruption that takes into account stakeholder viewpoints, expert analysis, and empirical data is urgently needed. A research of this kind would not only advance our knowledge of the dynamics and underlying causes of corruption, but it would also help shape policy initiatives meant to improve transparency, fortify accountability systems, and promote an integrity-based culture in the political arena. 

1.2 Statement of the problem

Corruption represents a deeply entrenched and multifaceted challenge within the political framework of Cameroon, significantly impeding the country's progress towards effective governance, economic development, and social cohesion. It has been argued that corruption serves as a breeding ground for social, economic, and political unrest, undermining democracy and the rule of law while distorting national and international trade. Furthermore, as argued, corruption jeopardizes sound governance and ethics in the private sector, threatens domestic and international security and the sustainability of natural resources, reinforces gender discrimination, and compounds political exclusion (Berlinski, 2019).  Chuta (2018) added that a corrupt government is harmful to the country as a whole. The resources that are intended for water supply, roads, education, health, and other fundamental and social services that are grabbed and stolen by a few of Nigerians via corrupt activities stifle economic and social progress, which ultimately results in the spread of poverty across the country

Bizarrely, The people of Cameroon wish that corruption be eradicated from their society, with the government making significant strides toward the goal (Freedom House, 2021). However, there is a concern as to how soon this goal can be achieved and what it would take to attain such a goal considering the viability of mechanisms put in place to support government anticorruption policy. Efforts to address corruption and promote transparency in Cameroon have been hampered by a range of challenges, including weak legal frameworks, lack of enforcement capacity, and limited political will to tackle entrenched interests. 

According to Udombana (2023) Despite the establishment of anti-corruption agencies and the enactment of anti-corruption laws, their effectiveness remains limited, overshadowed by allegations of political interference and selective prosecution. Furthermore, Ngomba, (2020) added that civil society organizations and independent media, which play a crucial role in exposing corruption and holding the government accountable, often face harassment, intimidation, and censorship, further constraining the space for transparency and accountability. 

Although studies abound in corruption as a menace to developing economies like Nigeria, there is insufficient empirical evidence on comprehensive assessment of corruption and transparency in Cameroon's political system which  identified the root causes, dynamics, and implications of corruption. Upon this premise the study seeks to focus on  assessment of corruption and transparency in Cameroon's political system. 

1.3 Objective of the study

The study is focused on an assessment of corruption and transparency in Cameroon's political system. Specifically, the study seeks to

To examine the extent of corruption within  Cameroon's political landscape

To investigate the root causes of  of corruption within  Cameroon's political landscape.

To determine the implication of corruption on  Cameroon's political system. 

1.4 Research Questions

What is  the extent of corruption within  Cameroon's political landscape?

What are  the root causes of  of corruption within  Cameroon's political landscape?

What are  the implication of corruption on  Cameroon's political system?

1.5 Resesearch hypotheses

Ho1: There is no significant effect of corruption on Cameroon's political system

Hi1: There is a significant effect of corruption on Cameroon's political system

1.6 Significance of the study

This study holds significant implications for both academic scholarship and practical policy making in Cameroon. By providing a comprehensive analysis of corruption and transparency within Cameroon's political system, the study offers valuable insights into a critical issue that affects governance, economic development, and social cohesion. The significance of this study can be outlined as follows:

Practically, he findings of this study can serve as a crucial resource for policymakers, government officials, and international organizations involved in anti-corruption efforts in Cameroon. By identifying the root causes of corruption, evaluating the effectiveness of existing measures, and highlighting the role of civil society and media, the study can inform evidence-based policy interventions aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Theoretically, This study contributes to the existing body of literature on corruption and governance in developing countries, particularly in the context of sub-Saharan Africa. By conducting empirical research and employing rigorous analytical frameworks, the study generates new knowledge and insights that can enrich academic scholarship in fields such as political science, public administration, and development studies.

1.7 Scope of the study

While this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of corruption and transparency within Cameroon's political system, it is essential to outline its scope to delineate the boundaries of inquiry. Geographically, the study seeks to incorporate diverse stakeholder perspectives, including government officials, civil society representatives, media professionals, and international observers. By engaging with multiple stakeholders, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of corruption and transparency dynamics in Cameroon.

1.7 Limitation of the study

One significant limitation of this study is the potential challenge of accessing reliable and comprehensive data on corruption and transparency within Cameroon's political system. Limited transparency and data availability may hinder the depth of analysis and the ability to draw definitive conclusions. More so, given the sensitive nature of corruption and transparency issues in Cameroon, there may be limitations on the extent to which certain stakeholders are willing to openly discuss these topics. Fear of reprisal or retaliation could lead to self-censorship, affecting the depth and accuracy of the data collected. The study's temporal scope is limited to contemporary issues, focusing on recent developments and trends. However, this temporal constraint may overlook historical contexts and long-term trends that could provide valuable insights into the root causes and dynamics of corruption within Cameroon's political system and as well affect the generalization of the study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Corruption: Corruption refers to the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, encompassing a wide range of illicit activities, including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and influence peddling. In the context of this study, corruption specifically pertains to unethical conduct within Cameroon's political institutions and processes.

Transparency: Transparency refers to the openness, accessibility, and accountability of governmental processes, decisions, and actions. It involves the disclosure of information to the public, enabling citizens to scrutinize government activities and hold officials accountable for their actions.

Political System: The political system encompasses the institutions, processes, and actors involved in the governance and decision-making of a country. This includes the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, as well as political parties, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders involved in shaping public policy and governance.