Overcoming Barriers: Strategies for EffectiveRecognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgmentsand Arbitral Awards in Cameroon
Keywords:
Foreign judgments, arbitral awards, recognition, enforcement, international dispute resolution, CameroonAbstract
The recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards face significant challenges due to diverse national laws, varying court procedures, and conflicting jurisdictional requirements, resulting in uncertainty, delays, and additional costs for parties seeking to enforce foreign judgments and awards. Despite efforts to harmonize laws and procedures, barriers persist, hindering cross-border trade and investment. This research examines the complexities surrounding recognition and enforcement, focusing on Cameroon as a case study. Through a qualitative analysis of legal frameworks, case law, and expert opinions, this study identifies key obstacles and develops strategies for overcoming them. The research reveals that inadequate domestic laws, limited international cooperation, and inconsistent court procedures are primary barriers. To address these challenges, this study proposes: Strengthening international cooperation through bilateral and multilateral agreements, enhancing domestic laws and regulations to align with international best practices, improving judicial capacity and training for effective recognition and enforcement, and promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on international commercial arbitration and dispute resolution, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, legal professionals, and parties involved in cross-border disputes.
References
1. American Law Institute. Restatement of the Law, Second: Conflict of laws. St. Paul: American Law Institute.
2. Dicey A, Morse CGJ, McClean, Briggs A, Hill J, Collins L, editors. Dicey and Morris on the conflict of laws. 13th ed. London: Sweet & Maxwell; 2000.
3. North P, Fawcett J. Cheshire and North’s Private International Law. 13th ed. London: Butterworths; 1999.
4. Reed A. Anglo-American Perspectives on Private International Law. Lewiston, NY: E. Mellen Press; 2003.
5. McLean D, Ruiz Abou-Nigm V, editors. Morris, The Conflict of Laws. 8th ed. London: Sweet & Maxwell; 2012.
6. Morris J. The Conflict of Laws. London: Sweet & Maxwell; 2005.
7. Michael R. Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments [Online]. Max Plank Encyclopaedia of Public International Law. 2009. Available from: www.mpepil.com.
8. Ndeugwe B. The Enforcement Procedures of Arbitral Awards in Cameroon. Africa International Arbitration Investment; 2012.
9. Kenfack G. Le juge et l’arbitrage en droit camerounais après la loi no. 2003/009 du 10 juillet 2003. Revue Camerounaise de l’Arbitrage; 2003.
10. Williams, Hepple. Foundations of the Law of Tort. 2nd ed. 27.
11. Essama Mekongho P. Private international law course notes. Yaoundé: University of Yaoundé II SOA; 2017. 16.
12. Anulekha M. The doctrine of Renvoi in Private International Law. Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University; 2020.
13. Tetley W. Glossary of Conflict of Laws [Online]. Available from: www.mcgill.ca/maritimelaw/glossaries/conflictlaws/.
14. ASIL Guide to Electronic Resources for International Law: http://www.asil.org/resources/pill.htm
15. Hague Conference on Private International Law official website.
16. International Chamber of Commerce: http://www.iccwbo.org/
17. International Court of Arbitration: http://iccwbo.org/index court.asp
18. International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT): http://www.unidroit.org/
19. News and views in private international law – Conflict of Laws.net
20. U.S. State Department Private International Law Database [Online]. Available from:
http://www.state.gov/www/global/legalaffairs/privateintllaw.html.
21. Anulekha M. The doctrine of Renvoi in Private International Law. Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University; 2020.
22. Prasad Y. (2015). Cross border tort disputes [Online]. Jindal Global Law School. Available from: www.lawctopus.com.
