Cameroon’s phantom gold: billions bypassing the state

Cameroon’s elusive gold wealth: billions lost to illicit trade

In Cameroon’s eastern and Adamaoua regions, a pervasive gold rush has taken hold. Mining operations proliferate across these territories, yet the state struggles to assert its authority and regulate this booming industry. This unchecked activity facilitates a massive outflow of wealth, with billions in gold revenue reportedly diverted to Dubai. These illicit financial flows are orchestrated by sophisticated criminal networks, often benefiting from deep-rooted local complicity, as they strive to maintain their lucrative positions and control over the precious metal trade, a critical issue for African news today.

By Abdoulaye Mounkaila — Reporter