On 6 July 2026, the conference room of the Economic and Social Council hosted the traditional forum for discussions between the Senate and the Chamber of Accounts of the Supreme Court. At the heart of this edition was the profitability of public enterprises, illustrated by the critical audit of the Cameroonian aluminium company (ALUCAM).

A solemn opening under the sign of partnership

The protocol phase was marked by two major speeches. Opening the series of addresses, Robert Nkili, Vice-President of the Senate, welcomed the regularity and relevance of this platform for dialogue.

Following him and in his keynote speech [Read the document], Yap Abdou, President of the Chamber of Accounts, recalled the crucial role of parliamentary and judicial oversight in financial transparency and, consequently, in good governance.

Before getting into the heart of the debates, participants were treated to a follow-up session. Master-Councillor Yebga Matip presented the summary report of the work of the 22nd forum, making it possible to measure the progress made and to recall the recommendations of the previous edition.

The ALUCAM case: the anatomy of a giant on probation

The real highlight of the day was the presentation entitled 'Audits of public enterprises: specific case of the Cameroonian aluminium company (ALUCAM)' [Read the presentation], delivered by Mr Tchinde Mbe Michel Ferrick, auditor at the audit jurisdiction.

In his assessment, the auditor painted an uncompromising picture of the former national industrial flagship. While the new rolling activity shows real promise, accounting for more than 50% of turnover in 2024, the historic smelting activity is in jeopardy, weighed down by a deteriorated financial situation, marked in particular by a significant debt to ENEO. In conclusion, the speaker pointed out that since the recapitalisation through debt offsetting carried out by the State did not generate any fresh cash flow, the viability of the company remains seriously compromised.

A parliamentary debate without beating around the bush

This presentation sparked a particularly lively and constructive debate. The discussions focused on the mechanisms of action of the Chamber of Accounts far beyond the simple denunciation of bad management practices.

Participants also reaffirmed the complementarity of missions, highlighting the crucial and shared role played by the Senate and the jurisdiction in the control of public action. Finally, emphasis was placed on the indispensable support of the Senate to guarantee the strict application and follow-up of the recommendations issued by the magistrates.

It is within this dynamic that the exasperation of some elected officials towards the management of state structures was heard. Reflecting this sentiment, a senator hammered home: 'There is no justification for a regularly loss-making company to continue benefiting from state subsidies, while the people, who are its main taxpayers, suffer.'

Towards a permanent dialogue for more effective control

In response to these numerous concerns, the delegation of the Chamber of Accounts provided useful methodological and legal clarifications. The two institutions agreed that more rigorous support from the Senate was essential to ensure the effective implementation of the jurisdiction's recommendations by the Executive and public managers.

Closing the debates, President Yap Abdou expressed the wish to see a permanent and regular exchange established with the senators who are members of the Finance and Budget Committee. This technical bridge is considered essential to sustain the impact of audits and contribute to the cleanup of the public enterprise portfolio in Cameroon.

As a reminder, the same exchange exercise was held with the Finance and Budget Committee of the National Assembly on 2 July.