Operationalization of Cameroon's membership in SAATM

Published: Wednesday, 14 August 2019 04:59

A working session to expedite the process was held at CCAA headquarters in Yaounde on Tuesday, August 6, 2019.

Indeed, following the announcement by the African Civil Aviation Commission (CAFAC) specialized structure of the African Union in early 2019 of Cameroon's official commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), Cameroon was informed of the immediate measures to be taken to make its decision a reality.

It is with this in mind that following the instructions of the MINT, a group of experts in the field of air transport has been tasked to monitor the implementation of these measures recommended by the African Union Commission to implement this commitment and make Cameroon eligible for the socio-economic benefits that come with it.

Some studies already confirm the potential benefits of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The immediate application of the principles of the Yamoussoukro decision adopted in 1999 and approved by the Heads of State in July 2000 (SAATM principles) which provides for the complete liberalization of air transport services within the continent and the implementation of SAATM could increase air services by 75% and increase fare savings by 25-35% making air travel accessible to more than 5 million passengers in 12 SAATM member states according to a study commissioned by the CAFAC and IATA.

Cameroon does not want to be left behind, which is why Ms. Avomo Assoumou KOKI, CCAA Director General, in her role as coordinator, recommended to this working group, rigour, dynamism and respect for deadlines in carrying out this mission. As a result, representatives of MINT, MINTOURL, MINREX, ADC, CAMAIR-Co and CCAA present at the meeting made an initial detailed analysis of the level of implementation of the said immediate measures by Cameroon.

Cameroon it would appear, has implemented 04 of the 08 measures stated, including: the publication of a notice in the print media to inform the public of Cameroon's membership in the SAATM, notification of membership to other SAATM member states;  harmonization of the Air Agreements to the Yamoussoukro Decision and the designation of a focal point.

With regard to the remaining measures, a draft roadmap has been drawn up, it will be finalized as soon as possible, and will enable Cameroon to participate effectively in the success of this major African Union project, the SAATM.

The Director General expressed the optimism and confidence that this group of specialists inspires in carrying out the missions that are theirs as soon as possible.

Apart from Cameroon, other states that have committed to SAATM are: Burkina Faso, Botswana, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Benin, Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Lesotho Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Chad, Togo, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Nigeria.