July 16, 2026

Ouaga Press

Independent English-language coverage of Burkina Faso's most pressing news and developments.

Cameroon’s gold drain: billions vanish to Dubai

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).

The vanished billions of Cameroonian gold

Across Cameroon’s Eastern and Adamaoua regions, a relentless gold rush has taken hold. Mining operations proliferate unchecked, with the state struggling to assert its authority. Billions in gold are illicitly flowing out of the country, primarily destined for Dubai. This vast wealth transfer is facilitated by sophisticated criminal networks, who thrive on local complicity and are prepared to go to great lengths to maintain their lucrative operations.