In a significant shift, the Cameroonian government has recently transferred the responsibility for collecting local taxes and duties from municipal councils to the General Directorate of Taxes. The official justification for this move is to combat widespread fraud.

While presented as a fiscal rationalization initiative, this measure undeniably signifies a reassertion of central state control over local finances. This development occurs even as Cameroon publicly commits to a path of greater decentralization. 

For residents in communes like Doumaintang and Betaré-Oya, both situated in the East region, expectations remain high. These communities grapple with dilapidated roads, challenging access to villages, and a severe lack of public infrastructure.

Officially: curbing irregularities

In Doumaintang, Mayor Honoré Koumé views this Cameroon local taxation reform as a critical opportunity to restore order. He contends that local tax collection was plagued by numerous irregularities.

“It must be acknowledged, and no one will dispute this, that the proliferation of deviant behaviors, both among collection agents and in the mastery of procedures, led to a very high rate of tax evasion at that level,” Koumé explained. “The numerous conflicts we observe in communities between municipal agents, market traders, and moto-taxi drivers clearly demonstrate the difficulty in effectively managing tax matters.”

Mayor Koumé asserts that the General Directorate of Taxes possesses the necessary logistical capabilities, specialized training, and recognized expertise to efficiently collect taxes. 

However, Mayor Nicolas Baba of Betaré-Oya expresses reservations regarding this reform. He firmly believes that genuine decentralization must originate and be exercised at the grassroots level. 

A potential setback for local development?

This state-mandated reform risks depriving communes of a vital revenue stream, potentially impeding local development initiatives.  

For Nicolas Baba, the implications are clear: “The projects we promised our communities, we are far from realizing them. When decentralization was discussed, we said: finally, things at the local level will start to move. So, will all our projects now be put on hold until things become clearer?”  

This reform appears to stem from the state’s desire for tighter control over local financial management. In recent years, several communes, including Nkongsamba, have faced accusations of embezzlement, poor governance, and budgetary irregularities.

Across Cameroon’s more than 360 communes, the coming months will be crucial in assessing the true impact of this reform on local finances and the capacity of municipalities to address the needs and expectations of their populations.