Hon. Malomba: 'Control Is Service, Not Confrontation'

South West Budget Follow-Up Chair Says Parliamentary Oversight Helps Government Deliver on Promises to Citizens

The Member of Parliament for the Buea Urban Constituency and Chairperson of the South West Regional Committee in charge of Monitoring the Execution of the Public Investment Budget, Hon. Malomba Esembe, has called for Cameroon’s 2027 State budget to be anchored on realistic revenue projections, stronger domestic resource mobilisation, and effective execution of public investment projects.

Speaking during the July 12, 2026 edition of Cameroon Calling, CRTV Radio’s flagship Sunday current affairs programme, the lawmaker said the success of the next Finance Law would depend not on ambitious projections, but on the government’s ability to translate budgetary commitments into tangible development outcomes.

Hon. Malomba Esembe described the budget orientation debate as one of the most important stages in the country’s budget cycle. He likened it to a \"family meeting\", where the government reviews expenditure during the first half of the financial year while discussing priorities and projections for the following year before the Finance Bill is tabled before Parliament.

According to him, the exercise enables the government and Parliament to jointly shape fiscal policies capable of addressing national development challenges and improving the living conditions of Cameroonians.

Three Priorities for 2027

The parliamentarian said recommendations emerging from the budget orientation debate revolve around three strategic priorities: realism, revenue mobilisation, and effective delivery.

On realism, he argued that the government must prepare the 2027 budget based on achievable revenue projections, particularly in the context of global economic uncertainty and declining expectations regarding external loans and grants.

Rather than relying excessively on foreign financing, he said Cameroon should strengthen domestic resource mobilisation through improved tax administration and an expansion of the tax base.

Hon. Malomba Esembe also advocated the modernisation of tax collection systems to increase state revenue while avoiding excessive pressure on existing taxpayers.

Bridging the Implementation Gap

The legislator identified weak execution of public investment projects as one of Cameroon’s major development challenges.

According to him, the country’s main problem is no longer the preparation of budget documents, but the persistent gap between planning and implementation.

Despite substantial allocations under the Public Investment Budget, he noted that several projects are delayed or abandoned due to late payments, poor preparation, technical constraints, and weak contract management.

He called for stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including adequately resourced participatory follow-up committees responsible for supervising both the physical and financial execution of public investment projects.

The MP further stressed the need for full implementation of performance contracts, insisting that contractors must operate under clearly defined targets, timelines, and sanctions whenever they fail to honour their obligations.

\"Accountability is necessary to improve public project execution,\" he said, adding that every completed public project represents a promise fulfilled by the State to its citizens.

Parliament’s Oversight Role

Hon. Malomba Esembe maintained that Parliament’s oversight responsibility should not be viewed as a confrontation with the Executive, but as a constitutional mechanism aimed at improving government performance and public service delivery.

He recalled that Parliament is empowered by the Constitution to hold the government accountable through parliamentary questions, commissions of inquiry, and scrutiny of the national budget.

Regarding allegations of illegal exploitation in the mining, forestry, and petroleum sectors, the MP said such claims must be supported by evidence and addressed through competent legal institutions, stressing that no one is above the law.

Development Priorities

Looking ahead to the 2027 fiscal year, Hon. Malomba Esembe identified prudent public spending, infrastructure development, industrialisation, and investment in human capital as key priorities under Cameroon’s National Development Strategy.

On road infrastructure, he noted that poor roads remain a nationwide concern and should not be viewed as a regional issue.

He called for greater investment in strategic highways linking the country’s regions while urging decentralised territorial authorities to address local infrastructure needs within their areas of competence.

For the Buea Urban legislator, the true measure of the 2027 budget will not be the quality of the Finance Law document itself, but the government’s ability to transform policy commitments into concrete improvements in the daily lives of Cameroonians.

Profile: Hon. Malomba Esembe – A Rising Voice in Governance, Public Investment and Community Leadership

At 40, Hon. Malomba Esembe has emerged as one of Cameroon’s rising political figures, combining experience in the judiciary with legislative responsibilities at the National Assembly.

A magistrate by profession and a member of the ruling Cameroon People\'s Democratic Movement (CPDM), he represents the Buea Urban Constituency in the 10th Legislature.

Within Parliament, he serves as Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Constitutional Laws, Human Rights and Freedoms, Justice, Legislation and Standing Orders, placing him at the centre of discussions on constitutional, legal, and governance reforms.

His institutional responsibilities extend beyond Parliament. He serves as an alternate member of the Higher National Judicial Council following his appointment by presidential decree, reflecting his contribution to the administration of justice.

Hon. Malomba Esembe is also Executive President of the Network of Cameroonian Legislators for Road Safety Awareness, where he champions policies aimed at reducing road accidents and promoting safer transport nationwide.

At the regional level, he chairs the South West Regional Committee in charge of Monitoring the Execution of the Public Investment Budget, overseeing the implementation of government-funded projects and strengthening accountability in public expenditure.

Beyond his legislative and judicial responsibilities, Hon. Malomba Esembe has built an international profile as a certified election observer. He has participated in Commonwealth election observation missions, including the general elections in Zambia, and led an international observer delegation during Mexico’s general elections.

He is equally recognised for his grassroots development initiatives across the Buea Urban Constituency, supporting interventions in healthcare, youth empowerment, agriculture, and education while reinforcing his commitment to community development.

A man of faith, Hon. Malomba Esembe serves as an Elder of the Presbyterian Church Bokwaongo and is an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) Synod.

His public service has earned him several national distinctions. President Paul Biya exceptionally promoted him to the rank of Officer of the Order of Valour in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation. He had earlier been decorated as a Knight of the Order of Valour in 2022, after previously receiving the Knight of the Order of Merit.

His work has also received media recognition. He was honoured with The Guardian Post\'s Best MP of the Year Award for his active presence in the field, commitment to community welfare, and dedication to serving his constituents.

Through his combined experience in law, parliamentary oversight, international engagement, public investment monitoring, and grassroots leadership, Hon. Malomba Esembe continues to establish himself as one of Cameroon’s influential voices on governance, accountability, and national development.

By Lasha Kingsly