Cameroon Seeks End to EITI Suspension Through Transparency Reforms

Cameroon has advocated for the lifting of its suspension from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative during a meeting between its Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Professor Fuh Calistus Gentry, and EITI Board Chair Maria van der Hoeven.

The meeting took place last Friday on the sidelines of the 10th EITI Global Conference. Cameroon used the engagement to present its commitments to transparency and good governance in the extractive sector and to discuss measures intended to address concerns linked to its suspension.

Focus on civil society participation

According to the report, discussions centred on corrective measures under EITI Requirement 1.3. Particular attention was given to ensuring the free and effective participation of civil society in Cameroon’s EITI process.

Cameroon’s position was presented as part of efforts to strengthen governance in the sector and create conditions for its reinstatement in the initiative. The report does not indicate that the suspension was lifted during the meeting, nor does it provide a response from the EITI Board.

Planned institutional and disclosure measures

Professor Gentry outlined plans to reinforce the EITI National Secretariat through the appointment of a Deputy National Coordinator and additional technical staff.

He also highlighted Cameroon’s intention to work with the National Hydrocarbons Corporation, or SNH, to establish a timetable for publishing petroleum contracts, financial statements and sectoral data.

Cameroon further expressed its intention to request an early validation once a clear timetable for implementing the necessary reforms had been established. The report does not state whether such a request has already been submitted or provide a timetable for the proposed reforms and publications.

Officials present

The meeting was attended by Agnès Solange Ondigui Owona, National Coordinator of Cameroon EITI; Ahmed Zouari, Senior Country Manager; and Gilbert Makore, EITI Regional Director.

The engagement represents Cameroon’s diplomatic effort to address the requirements associated with its EITI suspension through commitments on institutional capacity, civil society involvement and greater disclosure of information from the petroleum sector.