Parliament : Government’s Commitment to Governance Reassured

Emmanuel KENDEMEH| 29/03/2010|Cameroun Tribune|

Prime Minister Philemon Yang answered questions in Parliament concerning the African Peer Review Mechanism.

The Prime Minister, Head of Government, Philemon Yang, on Friday, March 26 reassured parliamentarians that the government was committed to implement the principles of the African Peer Review Mechanism that aims at promoting democracy, economic growth, good governance and boosting the image of the country to attract investors. Created in 2003, the Africa Peer Review Mechanism is a mutually agreed instrument voluntarily acceded to by member-States of the African Union as a self-monitoring mechanism. The mandate of the instrument in conformity with the political, economic and corporate governance values, code and the objectives in socio-economic development are in line with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.

Cameroon was among the first 16 countries to adhere to the mechanism upon creation. Hon. Mbah Ndam asked why the Cameroon National Coordinating Commission of the African Peer Review Mechanism has not yet been created and why Cameroon’s compliance to the principles has never been done. Mr Yang said government has the political will and is resolutely committed to implement the values set by APRM despite delays created by some administrative issues. The Head of Government stated that government officials have been having discussions with key members of the Panel of Eminent Personalities, the executive organ of the group that directs and manages its operations. He cited the visit of the delegation in 2008 led by Graça Machel, wife of former South African President, Nelson Mandela. The Head of State, Paul Biya, Philemon Yang further said, appointed the Minister of Special Duties at the Presidency, Victor Mengot, Cameroon’s focal point for the African Peer Review Mechanism. He disclosed that the country’s action plan was being drafted after which Cameroon’s National Coordinating Commission will be set up.

The Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Louis Paul Motaze on his part, answered Hon. Kalbassou Daniel’s question on the degrading situation of River Logone and Chari, located at the borders between Cameroon and Chad. Mr Motaze said government was aware of the situation, citing the updated studies carried out in 2007 which show that over FCFA 18 billion will be needed to redress the degrading river banks. He disclosed that government was in negotiations with China to get FCFA 15 billion. Stating that government has already set aside FCFA 3 billion for the project, the Minister said a global and integrated approach will be used in solving the problem.