Gold mining in Cameroon and drc: accountability needed for national and foreign operators

In Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, efforts to regulate the gold mining sector are underway, yet they remain insufficient. Revenue from gold production is increasingly failing to reach state coffers, as highlighted in a recent report by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).

Data from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) reveals a stark discrepancy: Cameroon reported exporting just 22 kilograms of gold in 2023, while importers claim to have purchased 15 tons. This gap underscores the challenges in tracking and regulating the gold trade, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

critical gaps in oversight

Professor Aïcha Pemboura, a researcher at the ISS’s Observatory on Organized Crime and Violence in Central Africa, emphasizes the urgent need for improved oversight. During a recent discussion, she pointed out that both national and foreign operators must be held accountable for their role in the gold sector. Without stricter enforcement and transparency measures, the potential for revenue leakage and illegal activities remains high.

the role of transparency initiatives

The EITI plays a pivotal role in promoting transparency in extractive industries. However, the discrepancies in Cameroon’s reported gold exports versus actual imports highlight systemic weaknesses. Strengthening reporting mechanisms and conducting independent audits could help bridge these gaps and ensure that gold revenues contribute to national development.

call for action

As gold mining continues to expand in Cameroon and the DRC, the call for accountability grows louder. Experts argue that without robust regulatory frameworks and enforcement, the sector will remain vulnerable to exploitation and corruption. The focus must shift from mere declarations to tangible actions that ensure fair and transparent gold trade practices.