US Ambassador to Cameroon, Neils Marquardt, has stated that Cameroon can "flip" if its current trends continue, though also warning that serious challenges lie ahead for the country. Addressing the American Business Association, ABA, in Douala on Tuesday, May 9, the Ambassador said though he is still "bullish" on Cameroon, he is, nevertheless, optimistic with recent developments in the country.

"The positive decisions by the World Bank and the IMF two weeks ago on Cameroon reaching the HIPC Completion Point, are obvious strong indications that the country is moving in the right direction," Marquardt said. He qualified Cameroon's attainment of the Completion Point as "a wonderful achievement."

But the diplomat warned that Cameroon must have the ability to manage expectations, for what the HIPC Completion Point and the debt relief bring are both important, they are, however, not a panacea.

"Indeed, the portion of the Cameroonian budget that will come from HIPC funds will remain relatively small. It will rise from less than six percent of the total budget today, to just over ten percent," he explained.

The Ambassador said though such a percentage increase will be a significant boost to the fight against poverty in the country, it is not sufficient to change overnight, the basic conditions prevailing in the country.

The proper management of HIPC funds, Marquardt said, will be another major challenge that Cameroon will have to grapple with. He stressed that HIPC funds are supposed to be spent on projects that fall in line with the fight against poverty, and that these projects should be executed in a timely way, so that the beneficiaries receive them expeditiously.

He cautioned against the diversion of funds to other purposes.The Ambassador hoped Cameroon's success would also propel the country on to future eligibility for the Millennium Challenge Account, MCA.

The MCA is a new assistance programme, which rewards nations that meet 16 criteria relating to political and economic freedoms, and commitment to invest in their people through health and educational programmes.

"We want to invest US taxpayer funds in countries that govern well. This is based on the growing consensus that aid is most effective when it goes to such nations," Marquardt declared.

Fight Against Corruption

The US Ambassador said he had long believed that the corrupt environment in Cameroon prevents the country from achieving its full potential. But, according to Marquardt, there is reason to be optimistic, considering the ongoing anti-corruption fight in the country.

He also talked about the recent adoption of some important decisions in line with the fight against corruption, like the implementation of Article 66 of the constitution on the declaration of assets and the creation of an anti-corruption commission, commonly known by its French acronym, CONAC. "These indicate that a sea of change is here," he said.

Marquardt did not share the view that recent developments in the Cameroon have been prompted by foreign pressure. "I do not share the somewhat cynical view of some observers that these actions were merely tactical manoeuvres to impress outsiders like the IMF, World Bank and bilateral donors as Decision Point approached.

No, I am optimistic that these actions represent instead new commitment on the part of Cameroonians themselves - in the government, but also across civil society - to improve their society, their politics, and their economy - by rooting out corruption," he argued.

But in spite of the optimism, the Ambassador said he was also sober about risks and impediments. "The effectiveness and the credibility of the future CONAC will depend on two things: naming respected, credible, independent members who can guarantee its effectiveness, and funding it adequately to do its important job," he said.

Marquardt pointed out that there are many examples of other commissions that were created in Cameroon, but which eventually failed in their declared missions either because the wrong people were appointed or insufficient resources were allocated. "I hope this does not occur in the case of CONAC. It must be robust and independent to fulfil the promise it represents to the people of Cameroon."

Marquardt declared he shares the desire of the Cameroon public to see stolen public funds stashed in foreign banks recovered and also that the thieves be prosecuted.

"I too hope that this anti-corruption fight continues and succeeds, and that officials in the public trust know they will be held for any misdeeds," stated Marquardt.

Independent Electoral Commission

The Ambassador noted that elections and stability are issues on the minds of many in Cameroon. He asserted that there is wide recognition that certain changes in the political structure and institutions will enhance Cameroon for investment by both foreigners and nationals. "One of the most important steps," Marquardt went on, "is to ensure that future political transactions will be smooth and peaceful, and follow the rule of law."

He applauded the decision to create an Independent Electoral Commission in the Country. "I expect that the National Assembly will consider next month, enabling legislation to create this new body. I also understand that changes in the electoral code are being considered, all with the view toward enhancing stability."