A porous security system allows billions of dollars worth of Cameroonian gold to flow continuously into illegal international markets.
Only about five percent of the country’s total gold production currently passes through official government channels.
Poorly monitored international airports serve as key exit points for vast quantities of gold leaving the country.
The lucrative illicit trade sends large amounts of the precious metal to major global hubs.
Organized smuggling networks exploit widespread security failures and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
In response, Defence Minister Joseph Beti Assomo recently established a specialised military base inside the Port of Douala.