The Camerounian government has stripped municipalities of their power to collect local taxes and fees, transferring this responsibility to the General Tax Directorate. The stated goal is to combat widespread fraud in the system.

Officially framed as a fiscal rationalization reform, this move represents a centralization of financial control at the national level, even as the country continues to promote decentralization policies.

In the eastern region, residents of Doumaintang and Beté-Oya have high expectations for improved infrastructure. Poor road conditions, limited access to villages, and shortages of public amenities remain persistent challenges.

Ending mismanagement through central oversight

In Doumaintang, Mayor Honoré Koumé supports the reform, highlighting past inefficiencies in local tax collection. He points to widespread corruption among agents and procedural gaps that led to rampant tax evasion.

“It’s undeniable that the lack of discipline among collectors and inconsistencies in procedures resulted in dangerously high rates of tax evasion. The frequent clashes between municipal agents, market traders, and motorcycle taxi drivers over tax disputes only confirm how difficult it’s been to manage fiscal matters locally.

Mayor Koumé believes the General Tax Directorate possesses the necessary expertise, infrastructure, and trained personnel to handle tax collection more effectively.

In contrast, the mayor of Beté-Oya, Nicolas Baba, voices strong reservations. He argues that decentralization should empower local governments from the ground up, rather than reinforcing central control.

Could this reform hinder local development?

The shift in tax collection authority may deprive municipalities of critical revenue streams, potentially slowing progress on local development projects.

Mayor Baba expresses his frustration: “We made promises to our constituents, but now we’re stuck waiting for clarity. When decentralization was promised, we were told things would improve at the grassroots level. Are we supposed to shelve all our planned projects until the situation becomes clearer?”

The reform aims to address concerns about financial mismanagement in local governments. In recent years, several municipalities, including Nkongsamba, have faced allegations of embezzlement, poor governance, and budgetary irregularities.

With over 360 municipalities across Cameroun, the coming months will reveal the true impact of this reform on local finances and the ability of municipalities to meet public needs.