The Cameroonian government has tabled several bills in the National Assembly, including that on the traceability of tobacco products after long months of hesitation, which is met with criticism. The opposition and civil society denounce the interference of the tobacco industry in the process of the control circuit. According to the Government, the ratification of the protocol by the Head of State, should make it possible to fight effectively against illegal trade tobacco products in Cameroon.
TOWARDS AN INGERENCE OF THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY IN CAMEROON?
It is the deputy Rolande Issi Simgbwa of the Cameroonian Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), which sounded the alarm the first. The opposition member suggested setting up a rigid computer system with clear information on the labeling, the established benchmarks that will make it possible to know that such a packet of cigarettes was made in such a country, in such a factory and even the distribution chain to consumers.
« These precise elements will allow us to trace the entire production chain to the final consumer and will thus effectively help the country to fight against the smuggling and illegal trade » said the Honorable Rolande Issi.
For the opposition member, the government plan maintains the tobacco industry's grip on the control process. She believes that the Tobacco must not be involved and / or influence the choice for the acquisition, the installation of the control system, as it would be judge and party.
« There is no question of the tobacco industry interfering in the traceability process, as it could influence the choice of control mechanisms » supports the deputy Rolande Issi. Cameroonian civil society is following in the footsteps of the opposition. It opposes any foreign interference in the traceability process.
