The Glencore Affair: when corruption tarnishes the image of Cameroon
For several weeks, the Glencore affair has shaken Cameroon’s governance in terms of oil, gas and minerals. This Anglo-Swiss commodities trading giant, recently convicted in the United States and the United Kingdom, admitted to having corrupted Cameroonian officials for more than ten years in order to obtain contracts or avoid audits. Two state companies, the National Hydrocarbons Company (SNH) and the National Refining Company (Sonara), are notably involved in this vast international system of corruption.
This affair had a global impact and highlighted the shortcomings of governance in the extractive industries sector in Cameroon. In 2021, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) noted “significant progress” and made recommendations. But since this assessment, the Glencore affair has plunged the country into a crisis of confidence.
The Itie, at the international level, called on the governments concerned, including that of Cameroon, to act quickly and take appropriate measures to put an end to corruption. However, until now, no action has been taken in Cameroon in connection with this case. SNH and Sonara, despite Glencore’s admissions of paying bribes, are still awaiting proof of their involvement.
Faced with these revelations, Cameroonian civil society is calling on the government to do everything possible to establish responsibilities and to take measures to repair the damage caused by this affair. According to her, the country’s image has been tarnished and the state has suffered considerable financial losses.
During a meeting of the national committee of ITIE Cameroon last August, this matter was discussed at length. Civil society insisted on the need for the government to carry out in-depth investigations in order to shed light on this matter.
The SNH claimed to have seized the British and American courts to obtain evidence and the names of the incriminated agents. She also asked Itie International to help her lift the anonymity clause opposed by Glencore. For its part, Sonara refers any concerns to the London headquarters of Glencore Exploration Cameroon.
The Cameroonian presidency indicated that it had been contacted by the administrator-director-general of the SNH, who requested the opening of an investigation. However, no details were given regarding the progress of this investigation.
Civil society organizations members of the Itie Cameroon committee are calling on the authorities to take steps with Glencore to obtain compensation, like what the Democratic Republic of Congo has already done. Indeed, as part of an agreement, Glencore has committed to paying $180 million to the DRC.
This Glencore affair highlights the importance for Cameroon to strengthen the transparency and governance of its extractive industries sector. It is essential to put in place control mechanisms and actively fight corruption in order to preserve the country’s image and guarantee fair and equitable revenues for the State. Taking concrete measures is essential to restore investor confidence and ensure the country’s economic prosperity.