Nintcheu Grills Government Over Gold Export Discrepancies

During oral question time at the National Assembly, Social Democratic Front (SDF) Member of Parliament Jean-Michel Nintcheu questioned the Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development, Fuh Calistus Gentry, over discrepancies between Cameroon\'s official gold export statistics and import figures published by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The parliamentarian sought explanations as to how large quantities of gold could allegedly leave the country without corresponding administrative, logistical, and financial records. He also questioned how such consignments could reportedly pass through security and customs controls undetected.

Citing figures presented during the session, Nintcheu stated that UAE authorities recorded 15.2 tonnes of gold imports from Cameroon in 2023, while Cameroonian customs officially declared only 22.3 kilograms of exports during the same period. He said the discrepancy represents an estimated value of US$267 million, equivalent to about CFA 165 billion.

The MP also referred to 2017 data, noting that Cameroon officially recorded exports of 4 kilograms of gold, while the UAE reported imports of 10.9 tonnes from Cameroon.

Nintcheu called for clarification on the reported discrepancies and urged measures to strengthen transparency and oversight in the mining sector. The minister\'s response to the oral questions was awaited at the time of publication.

 

By Lasha Kingsly