Business law in Cameroon

Legal Framework

Independence of Justice

Judiciary is not independent in Cameroon and is highly subject to political influence. A high degree of corruption exists in the country.

Equal Treatment of Nationals and Foreigners

Foreigners cannot expect a fair trial from the country's judicial system.

The Language of Justice

The judicial languages in the country are French and English.

Recourse to an Interpreter

The Cameroonian government provides for interpreters for defendants. However, these interpreters are called only once the trial starts. Thus, for all the steps before the trial, one has to make do without an interpreter. In addition, the transmission of legal information is always problematic. The message is often distorted and the interpreter does not always find the right words to translate it.

Sources of the Law and Legal Similarities

The main source of the law is the constitution of 1972 (approved by referendum, and revised in January 1996) which is based on the French civil law system. The country accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction.

Checking National Laws Online

Laws on finances 2013 (in French)
Cameroon Laws