Cameroon’s deadly gold rush: a wave of suspicious deaths amidst illicit mining

On this photograph taken on April 4, 2018, gold miners work on a mining site in the Cameroonian city of Betare Oya (illustration).

Cameroon’s stolen billions: a deadly gold rush

In Cameroon’s eastern and Adamaoua regions, a relentless gold fever has taken hold, coinciding with a disturbing surge in suspicious fatalities. Mining sites have mushroomed across the landscape, largely operating beyond the reach of state regulation. Our inquiry reveals that colossal sums, estimated in the billions, are being illicitly transferred to Dubai. This shadowy trade is orchestrated by deeply entrenched criminal networks, who benefit from extensive local collaboration and exhibit an unwavering determination to protect their established illicit operations.