After alleged corruption scandals

CONAC to be dissolved soon?
By Numh Rogers in Yaounde
Sources close The Median have hinted that the National Anti-corruption Commission CONAC may soon be dissolved, and its boss Rev. Dieudonne Massi Gams tried for alleged corruption. This follows investigations by the Supreme State Audit which reported that about Fcfa 24 billion was unaccounted for at CONAC.   
    According to our source, President Biya is furious with CONAC boss, Rev. Dr. Massi Gams whose management of CONAC has invited a constant drain on state treasury. We learnt that President Biya ordered that Massi Gams’ name should be removed from the shortlist of people to be knighted for their contribution towards Cameroon’s admission to the conforming status of the Extractive Industries Transparency InitiativeEITI. The passports of Rev. Massi Gams and his collaborators may soon be withdrawn, we were told.

    The investigation of CONAC revealed that besides astronomical salaries (Dr. Massi Gams is on 7.5 million francs a month), the allowances paid to the president and board members is above the maximum rate imposed by the state. While the maximum rate for mission allowances outside of Cameroon is 150,000frs a day, Massi Gams receives 400,000frs and board members 200,000frs. Massi Gam’s equally gets a whooping 5 million frs after every session of the CONAC Board. Other Board members get something a little less.
    Massi convened the press last 26 June to refute allegations of wrongdoing. He reiterated that the investigation of CONAC was only routine, and that those who called him a suspect were mere detractors. He added that he was surprised to hear of reports that he was found guilty of corruption and embezzlement, saying that they could have been leaked only by an unprofessional auditor.
    CONAC was created by President Paul Biya to add impetus to his anti corruption drive. Despite jailing top members of government including a former prime minister for embezzlement and corruption, no CONAC member has been arrested on those charges.
    The final report on the investigation of CONAC are awaited in the days ahead.