Cameroon's Legislative Session Opens Amidst Financial Scandal and Predictions of Chaos

The second annual session of the Cameroonian Parliament opened under an atmosphere thick with suspicion and tension. The Senate finds itself embroiled in a scandal involving the alleged misappropriation of billions of francs, while the National Assembly faces ominous predictions and uncertainties.

EcoMatin, an economic daily based in Yaoundé, reports on a "session haunted by suspicions of the embezzlement of 3 billion CFA francs." As seen earlier in the National Assembly, the Senate's June session opened on June 11 with a chorus of congratulations directed at President Paul Biya for the successful celebration of the 52nd Unity Day. Over the next 30 days, senators will be deeply engaged, with efforts seemingly underway to downplay the financial misdeeds allegedly involving senior officials within the institution. Current legislation stipulates that neither the Budgetary and Financial Discipline Control of the Superior State Audit, nor the National Anti-Corruption Commission, nor the Audit Chamber of the Supreme Court can investigate the Senate unless formally requested by the Senate Bureau.

Marcel Niat Njifenji, President of the Senate, responded to criticisms in an interview with the daily newspaper Mutations. During the opening of the June session, he addressed accusations of being a ghost-like presence in the chamber, stressing that "moral values and ethics will be upheld" in response to the scandal.

Both houses' presidents made strong statements during the opening session. According to the specialized journal Echos du Parlement, Senate President Marcel Niat Njifenji and National Assembly President Cavaye Yeguié Djibril took part in the opening ceremonies of the second ordinary session of the legislative year on June 11, 2024. They emphasized key events from the intersession period, notably the celebration of Unity Day, and condemned hate speech, particularly on social media.

In his speech, Cavaye Yeguié Djibril warned against those predicting chaos, urging Cameroonians to remain calm and vigilant. The public daily Cameroon Tribune highlighted the international achievements of Cameroonian representatives, noting the election of Philemon Yang as President of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations and Hilarion Etong as President of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie. Both leaders also condemned the behavior of certain political actors who are forecasting turmoil in the upcoming elections.

As Parliament's session progresses, it remains to be seen how these issues will unfold and what measures will be implemented to address the allegations and restore public confidence.