At presentation ceremony in Yaounde: EITI civil society representatives pledge good conduct.

Organised by the steering committee of the Platform for the Representation and Accountability of Civil Society Organisations involved in Extractive Sector Governance in Cameroon, the event was also an opportunity to enlighten the public on the entire process that led to the appointment of the representatives. 

It was also to present their declaration on certain topical issues in the field of extractive sector governance in the country.

As explained by a member of the steering committee, Fomekung Solomon, the representatives have has as aim to contribute effectively to the challenges the country is facing in the extractive sector, in the current context, marked by EITI’s suspension of Cameroon.

According to him, they are watchdogs in the country’s EITI committee as well as a liaison between the government, extractive industries and the population, with the goal to urge the government to stick to the principles of transparency in the management of resources by making contracts and revenues public.

Enter civil society representatives 

The 12 representatives all expressed gratitude for the trust that has been placed on them by the CSOs platform and all promised to work diligently on the task ahead.

One of the representatives, Dina Bell Emmanuelle, explained that as actors of the civil society in the committee, their principal function will be geared towards defending the rights of the people as well as raising public awareness on governance in the extractive industries.

“Our goals are geared towards understanding the different contracts extractive industries undertake with local populations and host communities of their activities to be sure that the locals are not being exploited. We also have a role to ensure that industries uphold their corporate social responsibilities and compensate host communities by ensuring their well-being,” she said. 

On his part, international lawyer, Prince Njoh Manga Bell, reiterated that as civil society representatives, their role is to advocate for transparency and lookout for the public.

“The country’s natural resources belong to everyone and we have to ensure that all citizens benefit from its exploitation. We also have a duty to control the exploitation, considering the environmental and climatic challenges we are currently facing,” Manga Bell underscored.

He went on to add that: “We are also going to advocate for institutions combatting corruption like the National Anti-Corruption Commission to be given more autonomous power so they can be able to do their job well. That is carryout investigations and arrest perpetrators of corrupt practices. We believe that if given more powers, they will be effective”.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3221 of Friday September 6, 2024