Economic Integration and the Internal Governance of Member States : A case study of CEMAC and Cameroon

This study uses an integrated model of qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate the linkages between membership of regional economically integrated bodies and internal governance by assessing the impact of the Communaut conomique et Montaire de l'Afrique Centrale (CEMAC) as an economically integrated body on the governance of its most dominant member, Cameroon. The research uses existing literature and a case study to argue that by allowing the law of direct applicability, member states have given the CEMAC institution a significant amount of power to influence their internal governance and economic policies. The study also concludes that although CEMAC does have a significant influence on the implementation of economic and monetary policies, and rule of law in Cameroon, this influence is experienced to a lesser extent on the country's control of corruption and political stability. As such, more stringent clauses and compliance laws can be created within the CEMAC mandate in order to ensure a diffusion of various forms of good governance practices in Cameroon and in the region at large.