AN EXPLORATION ON THE IMPACT OF BAD GOVERNANCE ON HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The crisis of governance has become so pervasive in African countries even after decolonization. For Akinola (2020), “poor governance has been the plight of many developing countries since the country attained political independence. Also, it has become pervasive because in the practical terms the various governments have tended to be non-transparent, irresponsible and non-accountable to those who supposedly elected them into office. Despite the yearnings of the people for good government, bad governments have over the years tended to remain undebated. Wai cited in Obadan (2019) regards governance in general terms as the use of political authority and exercise of control over a society and the management of resources. This, according to Obadan (2021), includes institutional and structural arrangements, decision-making processes, policy formulation, and implementation capacity, development of personnel, information flows, and the nature and style of leadership within a political system. From a development perspective, in the words of Obadan, governance can be usefully defined as the efficiency and effectiveness of a government in promoting the economic wellbeing of its people. 

In the opinion of Kubudi (2021), good governance encompasses “a broad agenda that includes effective government policies and administration, respect for the rule of law, protection of human rights and an effective society. He added that it is not only confined to the political and social issues but also includes proper management of the economy as well as transparency and fair competition in business. On the contrary, bad governance refers to a situation where the institutions and processes of governance, including those in the public and private sectors, fail to effectively fulfill their responsibilities and obligations to citizens. It encompasses a range of deficiencies, including corruption, lack of transparency, weak rule of law, abuse of power, inefficiency, and disregard for human rights. Bad governance can manifest at various levels, from local governments to national administrations, and can have profound implications for social, economic, and political development. Acemoglu and Robinson (2022) argued that bad governance encompasses a spectrum of malpractices, including corruption, lack of transparency, and arbitrary use of power, all of which directly contribute to human rights abuses. As noted by Acemoglu and Robinson (2021), "Institutions rule the world," emphasizing the pivotal role governance structures play in shaping social outcomes. When governance fails to uphold principles of accountability and respect for human rights, the repercussions are far-reaching and devastating.

In working w democracies, considers Human rights as inherent rights that every individual possesses by virtue of being human, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other status. These rights are considered universal, inalienable, and indivisible, meaning they apply to all people equally and cannot be taken away or separated from a person.Epidemically, Civil and political rights include rights such as the right to life, liberty, and security of person; freedom of expression, association, and religion; the right to a fair trial; and the right to participate in government. These rights protect individuals from government interference and ensure their ability to participate fully in society. bad governance fosters an environment ripe for corruption, where public officials exploit their positions for personal gain at the expense of citizens' rights. Transparency International (2020) reports that corruption corrodes democratic institutions, erodes the rule of law, and enables impunity for human rights violations. This is exemplified in cases such as Equatorial Guinea, where President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo's regime has been accused of widespread corruption and human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests and torture (Human Rights Watch, 2021). Such impunity underscores how bad governance perpetuates cycles of abuse, hindering progress towards a just and equitable society.

Put together, bad governance encompasses a spectrum of malpractices, including corruption, lack of transparency, and arbitrary use of power, all of which directly contribute to human rights abuses. As noted by Jayden (2023) the absence of checks and balances in poorly governed states facilitates the consolidation of power in the hands of a few, leading to authoritarianism and repression. In Venezuela, the erosion of democratic institutions under President Nicolás Maduro has precipitated a humanitarian crisis marked by extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and censorship (Human Rights Watch, 2021). As Fukuyama (2014) contends, the absence of effective governance mechanisms allows authoritarian leaders to entrench their rule, trampling on fundamental rights and freedoms in the process. This not only violates individuals' rights but also undermines the foundations of democracy and the rule of law.

As emphasized by Sen (2019), democracy and human rights are mutually reinforcing, requiring robust institutions and active citizenry to thrive. Addressing the root causes of bad governance demands concerted efforts to combat corruption, strengthen the rule of law, and promote transparency and accountability at all levels of governance. Only through such measures can societies safeguard human rights, foster inclusive development, and uphold the principles of justice and equality for all.

Statement of Problem

In recent times, bad governance have been well-documented in Africa, with a myriad of challenges ranging from corruption to human rights abuses of which Cameroon is no exception. According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2020, Cameroon ranked 153rd out of 180 countries, indicating a significant corruption problem within the country (Transparency International, 2020). This pervasive corruption permeates various sectors of society, hindering development efforts and exacerbating socio-economic inequalities.

In a study by Alicia (2019), one prominent example of bad governance in Cameroon is the issue of electoral fraud and political repression. The ruling party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), has been accused of manipulating elections to maintain its grip on power, stifling political opposition and dissent. The 2018 presidential election, marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities, further underscored the challenges facing Cameroon's electoral process (Human Rights Watch, 2019). The lack of electoral transparency and accountability undermines citizens' trust in the democratic process and perpetuates a climate of political instability.

Moreover, Adorbani (2023) in their study stated that Cameroon has faced persistent human rights abuses, particularly in the context of the Anglophone crisis in the North-West and South-West regions. The government's heavy-handed response to demands for greater autonomy and recognition of Anglophone rights has led to widespread violence, displacement, and arbitrary arrests. Human Rights Watch (2021) documented extrajudicial killings, torture, and the burning of villages by security forces, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The government's failure to address grievances through inclusive dialogue and respect for human rights has only escalated the conflict, further illustrating the consequences of bad governance on peace and stability. More Bizarrely, is the arbitrary detention of journalists, activists, and political opponents undermines the rule of law and stifles freedom of expression. The case of prominent journalist Ahmed Abba, sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of terrorism in a trial widely criticized as unfair, highlights the government's crackdown on dissenting voices (Committee to Protect Journalists, 2017). Such actions erode democratic principles and perpetuate impunity, reinforcing patterns of bad governance and human rights abuses.

Although articles abound revealing case of Human right abuses in Cameroon political landscape, One significant gap is the lack of comprehensive empirical studies that quantitatively assess the correlation between indicators of bad governance—such as corruption levels, political repression, and electoral irregularities—and specific human rights violations in Cameroon. While anecdotal evidence and qualitative research provide valuable insights, empirical data would offer a more robust understanding of the causal mechanisms linking governance deficiencies to human rights abuses. Upon this premise, the study seeks to investigate, the impact of bad governance on human rights violation in Cameroon.

Objectives of the  Study

The broad object of the study is focused on an exploration on the impact of bad governance on human rights violation in Cameroon. Specifically, the study seeks to:

Examine the extent of bad governance manifested within Cameroon Democracy

Assess the pattern of human right violation occurring in Cameroon

Explore the causal linkages between bad governance and human rights violations

Research Questions

What is the extent of bad governance manifested within Cameroon Democracy?

What are the pattern of human right violation occurring in Cameroon?

What is impact of bad governance and human rights violations in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Ho: There is no significant impact of bad governance on human right violation in Cameroon

Hi: There is a significant impact of bad governance on human right violation in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

Practically, he findings of the study can inform policy interventions aimed at addressing governance deficiencies and promoting respect for human rights in Cameroon. More so,  studying the nexus between bad governance and human rights violations can inform humanitarian organizations' efforts to provide assistance and protection to affected populations in Cameroon by identifying vulnerable groups and the specific human rights abuses they face, humanitarian actors can tailor their interventions to meet the needs of those most at risk.

  For civil societies, the study's findings can serve as a basis for advocacy campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the linkages between bad governance and human rights violations in Cameroon. Civil society organizations, human rights activists, and advocacy groups can use the evidence generated by the study to mobilize public support, press for accountability, and demand action from policymakers and international stakeholders.

Empirically, the study the study contributes to the academic understanding of the relationship between governance failures and human rights abuses in a specific context, namely Cameroon. By generating empirical evidence and analyzing causal mechanisms, the study adds to the body of literature on governance, human rights, and conflict dynamics and can serve fro reference for to scholars in related field.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The scope of the study borders on an exploration on the impact of bad governance on human rights violation in Cameroon. The content scope will discuss the extent of bad governance manifested within Cameroon Democracy, pattern of human right violation occurring in and the causal linkages between bad governance and human rights violations. Geographically, the study will focus on Anglophone regions of the North-West of Cameroon.

1.8 Limitations of the study

The study's findings may be influenced by sampling bias, as the selection of grassroots communities and participants may not fully represent the diversity of experiences and perspectives within Cameroon. The research may encounter challenges related to data collection, including difficulties in accessing certain communities, obtaining accurate information due to cultural or language barriers, and securing cooperation from vulnerable communities. These challenges could impact the comprehensiveness and reliability of the data collected. While the findings of the study may provide valuable insights into the specific context of  Anglophone regions in Cameroon like Bamileke, Baka, & Bassa, they may not be directly applicable to other regions or countries with different governance structures, socio-economic conditions, and cultural dynamics. Hence caution should be exercised when attempting to generalize the findings beyond the study context.

1.9 Definitions of Terms

Bad Governance: Bad governance refers to a situation where the institutions and processes of governance, fail to effectively fulfill their responsibilities and obligations to citizens. It encompasses a range of deficiencies, including corruption, lack of transparency, weak rule of law, abuse of power, inefficiency, and disregard for human rights.

Human Rights Violations: Human rights violations are actions or policies by governments, organizations, or individuals that infringe upon the basic rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled, as enshrined in international human rights law. These violations can take various forms, including but not limited to extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detention, discrimination, restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, and denial of access to basic services such as healthcare and education.

Corruption: Corruption refers to the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, whether it be through bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, cronyism, or other means. Corruption undermines the integrity of institutions, distorts resource allocation, and erodes public trust in government.

Political Repression: Political repression involves the use of authoritarian tactics by governments or ruling elites to suppress political opposition, dissent, and civil liberties. This can include censorship, intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrests, and violence against activists, journalists, and political opponents.

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