(Business in Cameroon) - Cameroon will stop joining international organizations without required authorizations. This was disclosed by the government to the parliament during debates on the 2020 state budget preparation.

“Our country’s adherence to international organizations calls for membership fees. Numerous adherences have been made without following established procedures, notably without the required authorizations or without any type of information about the adherence requirements like yearly membership fees,” the document transmitted to deputies read.

The government indicates that these unauthorised adherences led to an ever increment of funds to be devoted to membership fees. In addition, these membership fees are not clearly caculated. Due to that, the country is owing membership fees, a situation that seriuosly affects budget execution.

According to the government, the country’s adherence to international organizations boosts its diplomatic reputation. However, doing so without a proper analysis of the cost-benefit as well as the required authorizations will have an adverse effect since not paying membership fees on time tarnishes the country’s reputation.

For instance, in March 2019, Cameroon was suspended from the World Trade Organization for not paying membership fees estimated at XAF180 million.

Sylvain Andzongo