Mali Voice

Your English-language guide to Mali's news landscape — clear, credible and up to date.

Mali Voice

Your English-language guide to Mali's news landscape — clear, credible and up to date.

Cameroon’s illicit gold trade fuels dubai’s market

Sur cette photographie prise le 4 avril 2018, des mineurs d'or travaillent sur un site minier dans la ville camerounaise de Betare Oya (illustration). Across Cameroon’s East and Adamaoua regions, a fervent gold rush has ignited, leading to a surge in mining operations. Many of these sites operate with minimal state regulation, if any, creating a fertile ground for illicit activities. Our in-depth investigation uncovers a massive, unchecked flow of precious metal: billions in Cameroonian gold are being clandestinely transported directly to Dubai. This flourishing black market is sustained by sophisticated criminal syndicates, bolstered by local collaborators who are fiercely protective of their illegal enterprises and the substantial profits they generate. The continuous struggle of the Cameroonian government to enforce its laws in these areas allows immense national wealth to bypass official channels, underscoring a critical vulnerability in the country’s management of its valuable natural resources.

Cameroon’s illicit gold trade fuels dubai’s market
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