Cameroon–CAR Strategy Could Disrupt Illicit Gold Trade Fueling Border Crime

A coordinated strategy between Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR) could help disrupt illicit gold networks linked to organized crime and armed conflict along their shared border.

Illegal gold trading from artisanal mining sites has become a major driver of cross-border crime in the region. Weak regulation, corruption, and limited enforcement have allowed criminal groups to exploit the gold sector, turning it into a significant source of financing for armed groups operating in the border areas.

Experts say a four-part strategy focused on formalisation, capacity building, mechanisation, and cross-border cooperation could help both countries tackle the problem.

Major Gap Between Gold Production and Exports

A report by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) highlights large discrepancies in Cameroon’s gold sector.

According to the report, Cameroon produced 953 kilograms of gold in 2023, yet only 22 kilograms were officially exported.

At the same time, trading partners reported importing far larger quantities. Imports from the United Arab Emirates alone reached 15 tonnes of gold, valued at roughly 539 billion CFA francs (about $949 million).

The large gap between official production data and international imports suggests that most artisanal gold production bypasses formal channels, moving through smuggling and informal trading networks.

Artisanal Mining Fuels Armed Groups

Illegal artisanal mining in the Cameroon–CAR border region mainly involves gold and diamonds, although gold dominates both in volume and economic value.

The trade is closely connected to armed groups operating in CAR, including:

• 3R
• Union for Peace in the Central African Republic
• Central African Patriotic Movement

These groups often control mining sites and impose taxes and levies on miners, traders, and transporters. Revenues from the illicit gold trade help finance their activities and sustain armed conflict in the region.

Key transit points include border towns such as Garoua-Boulaï and Cantonnier, which serve as important routes for smuggling gold across the frontier.

Despite peace agreements signed in 2025, armed groups continue to exploit parallel mining economies to fund their operations.

Weak Governance Enables Illegal Gold Trade

Although both countries have legal frameworks for regulating artisanal mining, enforcement remains weak.

Many miners operate without valid permits, while traders often bypass official buying centres. Criminal networks frequently include intermediaries linked to corrupt officials, who facilitate gold smuggling through falsified documents, shell companies, and complex supply chains.

Limited institutional capacity also contributes to the problem. Mining, customs, and security agencies in both countries face resource constraints, corruption risks, and poor coordination.

While systems exist to trace gold production—including miner identification cards, site registrations, and export declarations—their implementation remains inconsistent.

Formalisation Seen as Key to Tackling Illicit Mining

Analysts say that formalising artisanal mining operations could significantly reduce illegal trade and strengthen government oversight.

Formalisation would allow authorities to improve traceability, increase state revenue, protect workers’ rights, and reduce environmental damage linked to informal mining activities.

However, success depends on several factors, including effective implementation, integration of existing artisanal miners, and harmonised regulations between neighbouring countries to prevent new loopholes.

Four-Part Plan to Combat Illicit Gold Networks

Experts propose a four-point strategy for Cameroon and CAR to tackle illegal mining and cross-border gold smuggling.

1. Formalise priority mining sites

Authorities should launch pilot projects in major artisanal mining zones in eastern Cameroon and western CAR, including the regions of Nana-Mambéré, Mambéré-Kadéï, and Sangha-Mbaéré. These initiatives could receive support from organisations such as the World Bank and EITI.

2. Support mining mechanisation

Providing equipment, training, and technical support could improve productivity and safety at formalised mining sites while reducing dependence on illegal operations.

3. Strengthen local governance capacity

Training programs for local authorities, mining cooperatives, and civil society organisations could help improve oversight, prevent conflict, and curb illicit practices.

4. Establish a joint monitoring committee

Cameroon and CAR could create a cross-border monitoring body to share intelligence, coordinate enforcement efforts, and combat gold smuggling.

The committee could also work with regional organisations such as the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa to strengthen export verification systems and improve cooperation against illegal mineral trade.

Cross-Border Cooperation Essential

Experts emphasize that illicit gold mining and trafficking cannot be addressed by a single country alone. Stronger cooperation between Cameroon and CAR will be essential to dismantle smuggling networks and bring artisanal mining activities into the formal economy.

With coordinated policies, stronger institutions, and regional collaboration, both countries could reduce conflict financing, improve resource governance, and unlock greater economic benefits from their gold sectors.