Cameroon is still lagging when it comes to guaranteeing citizens’ right to access information held by public institutions, a new report has found. In a comprehensive national survey conducted by pro-democracy organisation, Network for Solidarity Empowerment and Transformation for All, (NewSETA), researchers have found the country lacks a strong legislation that promotes effective access to public information in the country.
The study, which aimed to assess the country’s compliance with international norms on access to information, uncovered significant gaps and deficiencies in Cameroon’s legislative framework.
One of the key findings is the lack of a uniform law that grants the right to seek and receive information from public officials or entities. According to the survey, while 54.8% of senior public officials acknowledged that their institution referred to a law when providing information to the public, 46.2% admitted that there was no such law in place. This legal ambiguity has resulted in a patchwork of sector-specific laws governing access to information, leaving many citizens unsure of their rights.
The findings were discussed at a one-day workshop in Yaounde on June 6, 2024. During the workshop, a panel of experts expounded on the research results.
Dr. Nsaka Bernard, one of the panelists, highlighted the holistic nature of the study, stating that it “makes it more appreciated with a sense of ownership towards the law” and “gives room for dialogue between the government and the civil society/journalists to communicate at an entry point for a better-suited law.”
No legal provisions
The report also highlights the onerous administrative procedures and constraints that the public face when requesting information from government institutions. Unlike many countries, Cameroon has no legal provisions that mandate a specific timeframe for responding to information requests. Additionally, there are often no standardized request forms available, and there is no clear mechanism for appealing the denial of requests.
“The challenges to appealing the denial of request for information in Cameroon has further been aggravated by the absence of an institution where an applicant can appeal their decision if they feel the refusal is not justified,” the report states.
Comfort Musa, an independent journalist with an extensive track record, noted that the research “did not limit the access to information only to journalists but also to other sectors as well – access to information for all’.”
Researchers also found that exemptions to disclosing public information have not been explicitly defined in the law, allowing public officials to frequently deny requests on the grounds of protecting national security or other political interests.
Treatment of confidential, sensitive info
Sah Terrence, a panelist and country representative of Medias et Democratie, pointed out that journalists themselves have contributed to the hindrance of access to information. “Archives in newsrooms are a great source of data and income which should not be undermined,” he stated.
Denis Omgba, Director of National Media Observatory and Public Opinion at the Cameroon Ministry of Communications acknowledged that while the government provides press releases, they do not contain the information that journalists are looking for. He added that “journalists should know how to treat confidential and sensitive information.”
Push for law on access to information
The survey, which covered all 10 regions of Cameroon involved 382 respondents, including government officials, journalists, civil society organizations, and private sector representatives. It was designed to serve as a basis for advocacy and legal reforms to strengthen the right to access information in the country, according to Ateki Seta Caxton, the Executive President of NewSeta.
“This study is a crucial step in building the evidence needed to drive conversations and push for the adoption of a comprehensive access to information law in Cameroon,” said Ateki Seta.
Access to information is a fundamental human right essential for transparency, accountability, and empowerment. As Cameroon continues to grapple with these challenges, advocates and stakeholders say they will be closely monitoring the government’s response and its efforts to align the country’s legal framework with international standards on the right to access information.
