ANALYZE  THE ROLE OF CAMEROON ANTI GRAFT AGENCY IN THE  FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Corruption may be traced back to the time of our first parents, Adam, when communities began to form. Corruption is a pervasive issue that has spread across the globe. It is a longstanding issue that is afflicting the planet now. Across the globe, people are protesting corruption. Corruption in northern Africa, the Middle East, and India has been shown to breed mistrust, rage, and instability (Agyeman, 2016). The new governments in the Czech Republic and Mauricio Funes in El Salvador have made fighting corruption a top priority. The president of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino, was elected with the campaign slogan "if there is no corruption, there will be no poverty." 

Every nation in the globe is susceptible to corruption, as said. Corruption, like prostitution, persists regardless of the kind of government in place, whether it is monarchy, dictatorship, or democracy. Corruption may still be found in nations with high scores on the corruption perception index, even in the most ideal ones. For what reason? Due to its inherent presence in human behaviour. We all possess varying degrees of greed, jealousy, and susceptibility to temptations. As the saying goes, "even a saint will sin if given the opportunity" (Alfred, 2020). The UNCAC, signed by over 140 nations, is a worldwide agreement aimed at combating corruption via pillars such as prevention, law enforcement, international collaboration, and asset recovery. Countries are required to make corruption offences such as bribery, misappropriation, embezzlement, and money laundering illegal. Additionally, there is the battle against "re-corruption." Even in instances when corruption has been effectively decreased, there are still occurrences of re-corruption (Anzanilufuno, 2020). 

Corruption in Africa is seen as a significant obstacle to their pursuit of freedom. Corruption in Africa has been likened to "the AIDS of democracy," which is undermining the future of many African democracies. Corruption in Africa is a manifestation of the prevalent culture of unethical leadership and poor governance that exists over much of the continent (Edward, 2016). Experience in many African nations has shown that establishing anti-corruption legislation and agencies is only a first measure in combating this issue and does not necessarily ensure a reduction in corruption levels.  In 1998 and 1999, Cameroon was classified as the most corrupt country globally, prompting the government to be more determined to combat corruption. The administration used the motto "corruption kills the nation" in its anti-corruption efforts, as suggested by Transparency International. Corruption has significantly affected several sectors of Cameroonian society, including health, education, finance, military, and law enforcement. Corruption may take several forms such as bribery, nepotism, fraud, fast money, embezzlement, fabrication of documents, and influence peddling (Vargas and Schlutz, 2016). The newspaper "Cameron Tribune" dedicated a daily piece to corruption. 

Despite the initial shortcomings, the anti-corruption efforts in the early 1990s did achieve certain accomplishments. The Mfoundi High Court arrested and sentenced high-profile embezzlers, including Professor Titus Edzoa (former Secretary General of the president) and Michel Thierry Afangana. The beginning of the 21st century led to changes in the approach to combating corruption, which had previously been mostly addressed by local courts. In 2000, many organisations were established in response to pressure from the US State Department and the Bretton Woods institutions on the Cameroonian government. Transparency International. The first observatory established was the Anti-Corruption observatory in 2000. In 2006, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) superseded the organisation known by the French abbreviation CONAC. Since its establishment, CONAC has spearheaded the anti-corruption efforts in Cameroon by investigating corrupt officials and submitting findings to the president to facilitate the prosecution of offenders. Besides CONAC, the Supreme Court is also a prominent institution for state audits. In 2011, a specialised criminal court was established to punish government officials who embezzled cash over 50 million FCFA. (Munyai, 2020). The present study therefore, seeks to analyze  the role of Cameroon anti graft agency in the fight against corruption.

Statement of the problem

Corruption is a widespread problem in Cameroon, presenting major obstacles to government, economic progress, and public welfare. Although the Cameroon Anti-Graft Agency (CAGA) was created to address corruption, there is a lack of clarity on the agency's effectiveness and its real influence on decreasing corrupt activities in the country (Kahiga, 2020). This study intends to analyse the Cameroon Anti-Graft Agency's role in combating corruption by assessing its strengths, limitations, and overall effectiveness in reducing corrupt practices in different industries. This study aims to analyse the strategies, enforcement methods, institutional capabilities, and socio-political environment of CAGA to understand the challenges and opportunities it encounters in carrying out its anti-corruption responsibilities (Monde, 2015). This study seeks to fill information gaps to improve anti-corruption efforts in Cameroon and provide suggestions to increase the efficiency of the country's anti-corruption programmes.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective is to analyze  the role of Cameroon anti graft agency in the  fight against corruption.  The specific objectives is as follows

To assess the effectiveness of the Cameroon anti-graft agency in combating corruption within governmental institutions.

To analyze the strategies employed by the Cameroon anti-graft agency in detecting and prosecuting corrupt practices.

To examine the challenges faced by the Cameroon anti-graft agency in its efforts to curb corruption and promote accountability.

To propose recommendations for enhancing the efficiency of the Cameroon anti-graft agency in combating corruption.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What is the effectiveness of the Cameroon anti-graft agency in combating corruption within governmental institutions?

What are the strategies employed by the Cameroon anti-graft agency in detecting and prosecuting corrupt practices?

What are the challenges faced by the Cameroon anti-graft agency in its efforts to curb corruption and promote accountability?

What are the strategies for enhancing the efficiency of the Cameroon anti-graft agency in combating corruption?

1.5 Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be significant to the Cameroonian government as corruption undermines economic development by diverting resources away from productive sectors and into the hands of a few individuals or groups. Addressing corruption can lead to more efficient allocation of resources and foster economic growth, which is a key priority for the Cameroonian government.

The findings of the study will be beneficial to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature on the subject matter.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on the role of Cameroon anti graft agency in the  fight against corruption.  Empirically, the study will assess the effectiveness of the Cameroon anti-graft agency in combating corruption within governmental institutions, analyze the strategies employed by the Cameroon anti-graft agency in detecting and prosecuting corrupt practices, examine the challenges faced by the Cameroon anti-graft agency in its efforts to curb corruption and promote accountability and propose recommendations for enhancing the efficiency of the Cameroon anti-graft agency in combating corruption.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Definition of terms

Anti graft agency:  an agency set up by government to fight corruption.