Cameroon, Nigeria To Partner On Anti – Corruption War

Cameroon and Nigeria have begun seeking ways to collaborate to fight corruption in both countries.
Officials of National Anti-Corruption Commission (CONAC) and Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), met in the capital, Yaounde last Wednesday to lay down the guidelines for the collaboration.
“Our coming here is to canvass for greater understanding in terms of relationship, exchange of ideas and information,” Mohammed Umar, EFCC’s Director of Operations, said.
“Corruption is not a problem of one country but all countries in Africa and we appreciate the cooperation between Cameroon and Nigeria,” CONAC Chair, Dieudonne Gams said.
Transfer of illicit funds within Cameroon-Nigeria borders is on the rise and there is an urgent need to track down the funds and arrests offenders, the officials said.
“The joint operations can help us to recover lot of looted funds.” Umar said.
The collaboration is the first of its kind between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Several thousands of people have fled a violent attack on a town in north-eastern Nigeria and sought refuge in neighbouring Cameroon, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said.
About 8,000 refugees fled to the border town of Bodo in Cameroon after an attack on the town of Rann on Jan. 14, according to the medical aid organisation.
“We expect several thousand more may come today. We are preparing to assist 15,000 people with food, water and medical care over the coming days,” said MSF Nigeria Programme Manager, Hugues Robert.