2024-05-10 14:48:58
Cameroon is rocked by a resounding scandal involving the controversial Atou Cabinet, accused of having illegally appropriated and sold public assets from the former state companies ONCPB, REGIFERCAM and ONPC. This affair highlights a vast network of corruption affecting senior officials.
An overstepped safeguard mandate
Lazare Atou, promoter of Cabinet Atou, received in 2006 a simple mandate to safeguard the residual assets of these companies in liquidation. But he is suspected of having largely exceeded this role by appropriating these assets and fraudulently transferring them to individuals.
Large-scale illegal sales
According to available information, the Atou Cabinet would have orchestrated a vast system of sale of land and buildings from the former ONCBP, REGIFERCAM and ONPC. Hundreds of buyers would be affected, but none of them can claim real ownership rights.
A sprawling network at the highest level
The arrogance displayed by Lazare Atou can be explained by the solid support he has within those in power. Senior civil servants, ministers, army officers and businessmen would be compromised in this state scandal. Many would have profited from these illegal sales.
Authorities arrested
Faced with this challenge to the rule of law, the reaction of the highest authorities is expected. However, a presidential decree of January 2019 confirmed that the property of the former ONPC belonged to the Autonomous Port of Douala. But the Atou Cabinet continues to ignore this with complete impunity.
This affair is symptomatic of the advanced decline of entire sections of governance in Cameroon. If nothing is done, it risks further eroding citizens’ trust in institutions. The ball is more than ever in the head of state’s court to signal the end of recess.