While there seem to be silence at all levels in the state apparatus, public conscience has remained restless, posing questions over what is blocking the prosecution of members of government accused of having mismanaged money meant to fight COVID-19.
Gov't still battling to cutb spread of COVID-19 cases amidst wide corruption allegation on officials
The question has become even worrisome as observers say, seven months after least 17 members of government were grilled in line with these accusations by the Special Criminal Court, SCC, nothing has been heard of how the funds borrowed to fight the pandemic were used.In the same line, nothing is being said on the process to ensure that, anyone found to have tampered with the money from the public till is punished. This is happening despite a well-established legal framework and numerous institutions to fight corruption in Cameroon. Even though Cameroon has had previous mismanagement scandals of even larger magnitude, none has caused public outcry like that related to ‘Covidgate’. The peculiarity of the ‘Covidgate’ arose from the convergence of actions from opposition parliamentarians, politicians, civil society actors and concerned citizens.
The first COVID-19 case, it should be recalled, was confirmed in Cameroon on March 6, 2020. President Biya set up an emergency response plan with support from partners and created a special solidarity fund. A total of 180 billion FCFA was made available for the fight against the pandemic, with the biggest contribution coming from the International Monetary Fund, IMF, through its Rapid Credit Facility, to wither the economic effects of the health crisis, among other donations.
Ensuring that public funds are well managed has always been a central concern of citizens. Within the first quota of 2021, allegations of mismanagement scandals concerning COVID-19 funds went viral.
The alleged mismanagement of the funds animated media debates, social media rumours and gossips. Such debates heightened tensions among Cameroonians as many were still battling the negative socio-economic effects of the health crisis.
Biya orders probe on use of funds
The intensity of the allegations prompted President Biya to order an investigation into how the funds were used by the various officials.
On March 29, 2021, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, Minister of State, Secretary General at the Presidency, on the instructions of President Biya, addressed a note to the Supreme State Audit Office, ordering the structure to launch an audit on officials’ use of funds meant to combat the pandemic.
“I have the honour of passing on to you the high directives of the Head of State, instructing you to expedite the COVID-19 funds’ audit mission, which report would facilitate the conclusion of a new economic and financial programme with the IMF,” partly read the note from the chief scribe of the Unity Palace.
The announced investigation caused many Cameroonians to heave a sigh of relief. At least 17 government ministers were grilled by the Special Criminal Court. There were hopes that money, which might have been diverted to individual pockets, would be tracked and wrongdoers brought to book.
As has been the case in other investigations, the final result of the inquiry has not been released seven months after. This has left many worried. Many are beginning to ask questions as to whether President Biya is shielding those accused of reportedly mismanaging funds meant to rescue the entire country from a global pandemic.
Leaked audit report goes viral
At the time media reports on the alleged mismanagement of the funds animated the national life, a leaked audit report, said to be from the Audit Bench of the Supreme Court made rounds. The leaked report was widely reported by national and international media. The report indicated gross overbilling of personal protective equipment said to have been purchased by some ministries, non-respect of public bidding for contracts, wasteful spending, improper accounting, non-procedural procurements, irregular allowances, conflict of interest, among others.
Announced presentation of report in parliament postposed
A release issued by the Secretary General of the National Assembly, Gaston Komba, had indicated that the final report on the management of COVID-19 funds was to be presented in Parliament Friday June 25, 2021, during a special plenary sitting. Surprisingly, the planned presentation disappeared from the Parliament’s agenda hours to the plenary sitting. No explanation has been made till date. Government is said to have been divided on whether or not to present the report before lawmakers. The report was expected to throw more light on the responsibilities of each Ministry in the alleged mismanagement.
Investigation leaves ministers in constant panic
The investigations had left many ministers panicking. Many officials made last minute efforts to justify funds allocated them as they took turns to be grilled by investigators at the Special Criminal Court.
Documents made rounds on the social media with some officials struggling to justify how certain contracts were awarded to some companies. Others made moves to present supposedly fake receipts of some purchases they had made and how contracts were awarded.
Media reports indicated that cabinet ministers were barred from leaving Yaounde. This was as fears were rife that some officials were planning to flee an impending arrest.
Parliament calls for calm, patience
The leaked report left many angry. It made many Cameroonians to pass judgments on officials, accusing them, on both traditional and social media, of embezzling or misusing funds that were meant to fight COVID-19. Rt Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, Speaker of the National Assembly, while opening the June session of Parliament Tuesday June 8, 2021, urged citizens to exercise calm, patience as the official report of investigations were still awaited. He said such behaviour exposes those suspected of misusing funds to dangers of being attacked.
“The Head of State has also ordered for an audit of the management of funds for COVID-19 control in Cameroon. That is why I beseech my fellow citizens to kindly wait for results of the audit by refraining from recourse to conventional media outlets and social media to judge some Cameroonians beforehand and expose them to mob justice. We should remain calm,” Cavaye had advised.
IMF urged to reject gov’t’s loan appeals if ‘embezzlers’ not arrested
Meanwhile, over 20 outspoken women group leaders, rights activists, lawyers urged the IMF to reject all loan requests made by government if those suspected of mismanaging COVID-19 funds were not brought to book. The women expressed “grave concern about the financial governance of Cameroon and specifically its relationship with the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility accorded to Cameroon,” to enable it stay afloat in the phase of the ravaging pandemic.
Biya still holding final say on ‘Covidgate’ report
It was rumoured that the final investigations report was handed to President Biya by the Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso. This is said to have been before the President left the country for a brief private stay to Europe on July 11, 2021. Biya’s departure for Europe created much fear within the regime. It was believed he left the country to, among other things, carefully examine the investigation file and take major decisions that will affect some sitting cabinet members. Months after his return to country, nothing is still to be heard concerning the investigation result.
By Doh Bertrand Nua
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