Cameroon requires officials to disclose their financial assets after 30 years of inactivity.

Authorities in Cameroon have announced the activation of the financial disclosure law, after nearly 30 years of it remaining unimplemented despite being included in the constitution, following the issuance of an executive decree signed by the President of the Republic, making the decision officially effective.

According to reports, this development represents an important step in the path of administrative reform and enhancing transparency within state institutions, especially in light of the increasing demands for monitoring the wealth of officials.

Article 66 enters into force

The decision is based on activating Article 66 of the Constitution, which obliges senior officials to disclose their assets and financial holdings before assuming government positions, an article that has remained dormant for decades without implementation.

Under this activation, officials will be required to disclose details of their assets, including financial and real estate holdings, to ensure transparency regarding the sources of wealth and to monitor any changes that occur during their tenure.

This measure is expected to help reduce the phenomenon of illicit enrichment, which has sparked widespread controversy in recent years, especially with the recording of cases of officials whose wealth has multiplied during short periods of holding government positions.

This decision is seen as a way to limit the abuse of power for personal gain, by imposing prior control over the financial status of officials.

Enhancing transparency and accountability

The application of this law contributes to strengthening the principles of transparency and accountability within the government apparatus, as it requires officials to submit clear financial statements before commencing their duties, thus giving regulatory bodies an effective tool to monitor financial performance.

This measure is also expected to boost citizens’ confidence in state institutions, by emphasizing the government’s seriousness in combating corruption and achieving justice in the management of public funds.