A Legal Appraisal of the Mechanism for the Execution of Measures to Combat Cyber Crimes in Contemporary Africa: The Cameroonian Perspective

‘‘We cannot build a digital economy in Africa without cyber security’’. The growing nature of cybercrimes in Africa has necessitated the growth of effective mechanisms for the execution of measures to combat these crimes. This study undertakes a legal appraisal of the mechanism for the execution of measures to combat cybercrimes in Cameroon, with a view to identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the existing framework. Using a doctrinal research approach, this study analyzes the Cameroonian Cybercrime Law of 2010, as well as other relevant laws and regulations. The findings of this research reveal that while Cameroon has made significant efforts to combat cybercrimes, the existing mechanism for the execution of measures to combat cybercrimes is inadequate and ineffective. The study recommends the adoption of a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to combating cybercrimes in Cameroon, including the development of specialized cybercrime units, the establishment of a national cybercrime reporting system, and the provision of training and capacity-building programs for law enforcement officials. This study therefore, contributes to the existing body of knowledge on cybercrime and the law in Africa, and provides a framework for the development of effective mechanisms for the execution of measures to combat cybercrimes in Cameroon and other African countries.