In a bold move that reverses previous decentralisation efforts, the Cameroonian government has revoked the authority of local councils to collect regional taxes and levies. This decision, framed as a crackdown on fiscal malpractices, places the responsibility squarely in the hands of the national Tax Revenue Directorate.
Local leaders divided over tax reform
In the eastern region, the impact is already being felt. In Doumaintang, Mayor Honoré Koumé welcomes the change, citing widespread irregularities in local tax collection. “We cannot ignore the proliferation of abuses—both among collectors and in procedural oversight—leading to shockingly high tax evasion rates,” he explains. “The constant clashes between municipal agents and market traders, as well as moto-taxi operators, clearly illustrate how difficult it has become to manage fiscal matters.”
He argues that the Tax Revenue Directorate, with its specialised logistics, training programmes and proven expertise, is far better equipped to handle the task.
In Betaré-Oya, however, Mayor Nicolas Baba voices strong scepticism. He believes decentralisation should empower local communities from the ground up. “We made promises to our constituents, but now we’re left powerless. When decentralisation was announced, we thought change was finally coming. Are we supposed to shelve all our projects until the situation becomes clearer?”
Development at risk?
The reform, while aiming to tighten oversight of local finances, could inadvertently starve communes of vital revenue—undermining grassroots development. Recent years have seen several councils, including Nkongsamba, embroiled in scandals over embezzlement, poor governance and budgetary irregularities.
With over 360 communes nationwide, the coming months will reveal whether this centralisation strengthens fiscal discipline or stifles local progress altogether.
