The Cameroonian government has recently revoked the authority of local municipalities to collect taxes, transferring this responsibility to the General Tax Directorate. While framed as a fiscal reform to combat evasion, this move represents a significant centralization of power, despite ongoing promises of decentralization.
In the eastern region, residents of Doumaintang and Betaré-Oya have long awaited improvements in infrastructure and public services. However, the withdrawal of local tax collection powers raises concerns about the future funding of community development projects.
Local leaders divided over fiscal reform impact
Honoré Koumé, mayor of Doumaintang, supports the decision, citing widespread irregularities in local tax collection. “It’s undeniable that the inflation of corrupt practices—both among collectors and in procedural oversight—led to skyrocketing tax evasion rates,” he explains. “Frequent clashes between municipal agents and market traders or motorcycle taxi operators highlight the challenges in managing fiscal matters.”
Koumé believes the General Tax Directorate’s expertise and resources will streamline tax collection and reduce malpractice. However, Nicolas Baba, mayor of Betaré-Oya, voices skepticism. “Decentralization was supposed to empower local governments to deliver on promises,” he argues. “Now, we’re left in limbo, with projects shelved while the rules remain unclear.”
Development at risk as municipalities lose revenue
The reform risks depriving municipalities of a critical income stream, potentially stalling local development. Betaré-Oya’s mayor warns that without immediate clarity, communities will suffer the most. “We were told change would come from the ground up,” Baba notes. “Yet now, we’re told to pause all initiatives until further notice.”
This shift aligns with the government’s broader goal of tightening oversight over local finances, following past scandals involving mismanagement and embezzlement in municipalities like Nkongsamba. As Cameroon’s 360+ municipalities adapt, the coming months will reveal whether this reform strengthens governance or undermines grassroots progress.
