C'wealth anti-corruption confab: Hon Tabot Lawson pledges Parliament’s support to combat corruption.

This was during the opening ceremony of the 16th Commonwealth Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa. 

The ceremony was presided over by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency of the Republic in charge of Supreme State Audit, Mbah Acha Rose Fomundam, on behalf of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya. 

This year’s high-level confab, which brought together heads of anti-corruption agencies from 20 countries in Commonwealth Africa, took place under the theme “Deploying Artificial Intelligence in the fight against corruption in Commonwealth Africa”.

Speaking at the start of the weeklong conference, Hon Tabot said the conference was holding at a pivotal time on the continent when citizens are increasingly demanding transparency, equity, and result-driven governance. 

According to Hon Tabot, corruption remains an impediment to sustainable development, democratic consolidation, and social justice. 

He emphasised that Parliament, being the embodiment of the people, occupies a strategic position in the "architecture of anti-corruption efforts". 

The MP said the Parliament has strengthened its role as guardian of public accountability through its three fundamental functions; legislative, oversight and the representation of its people. 

He said the Cameroonian parliament has effectively contributed to the refining legal framework aimed at combating corruption, promoting good governance through the adoption and review of laws related to public finance and public procurement and asset declaration. 

Hon Tabot added that parliament has equally exercised rigorous oversight over government action through oral and written questions to members of government. 

He also cited parliamentary inquiries and fact-finding missions, which, he stressed, have been instrumental in ensuring that public resources are used efficiently and for the benefit of the public. 

The MP went further to reveal that Parliament also ensures transparency in the allocation and use of public funds. 

Highlights role of APNAC 

According to Hon Tabot, the creation of the Cameroon Parliamentary Network against Corruption, APNAC, marked a significant milestone in institutionalizing integrity within the legislative arm. 

He detailed that the network serves as a platform for advocacy and awareness within parliament, a mechanism for capacity building of members on corruption-related issues, a bridge for collaboration with institutions such as the National Anti-Corruption Agency, CONAC, the Supreme State Audit Office, CONSUPE and other bodies involved in the fight against corruption. 

“Parliament in Cameroon has embraced a multi-stakeholder approach, fostering collaboration within anti-corruption agencies, judiciary, civil society organizations and the media, " Hon Tabot said. 

Leveraging on tech to fight corruption 

In line with the theme of the confab, Hon Tabot told participants during the opening ceremony that Parliament “recognises the transformative potential of digital technologies and artificial intelligence”. 

He said efforts are underway to digitise parliamentary procedures for greater transparency, improve access to legislative information and enhance data-driven oversight of public policies. 

“We recognize that technology when effectively deployed can significantly reduce opportunities for corruption while improving efficiency,” Hon Tabot said. 

He went further to mention that Parliament must continue to rise to this occasion, strengthening oversight and championing the interest of the people. 

“Parliament as the people’s representative, we are pleased to join the voices of government and of the judiciary to tell you how serious and concerned we are against this cankerworm that is eating deep into our society and continent,” Hon Tabot said.

Lauds Biya for fight against corruption 

Hon Tabot also seized the opportunity to hail the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, whom he said has remained steadfast in the fight against corruption over the years. 

He said Biya has “sparred no time in all his efforts in the fight against corruption in Cameroon”. 

He added that “there is no gainsaying that hundreds have been placed under detention and more will still be placed because the Head of State is not sleeping when corruption is concerned.” 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3782 of Thursday May 07, 2026