The Commission of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) has announced the suspension of its activities due to a severe financial crisis. This organization, which facilitates economic integration among six Central African nations—Cameroon, Gabon, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea—has been severely impacted by a downturn in revenue from its main income source, the Community Integration Tax. Member states have been retaining this tax, which is levied on imports, instead of transferring it to the Commission, resulting in a financial shortfall that has forced nearly all projects and missions to pause.

As CEMAC grapples with this funding crisis, it has identified the urgent need for member states to create an independent mechanism for tax collection, distinctly separate from national budgets. This move is crucial for ensuring that the funds intended for integration projects are collected efficiently and are available to sustain the operations of CEMAC. Estimates indicate that the organization collected less than 50% of the integration tax due last year, highlighting a significant fiscal challenge that requires immediate attention.

The suspension of CEMAC's activities is a critical issue for regional cooperation and economic development in Central Africa, as it impacts various integration projects that are essential for growth. The financial instability not only halts administrative meetings but also poses risks to broader economic plans and stability in the region. Such disruptions underscore the importance of financial management and collaboration among member states to revitalize economic integration efforts in Central Africa.