A gold mining site in Mbamboutti, in the East Region of Cameroon, was attacked by a group of armed men on the night of May 6 to May 7, 2026. The incident, which occurred around 1 a.m., saw the hooded and heavily armed assailants storm the mining site.
The attackers not only stole gold and silver, but also a significant amount of mercury, a chemical element crucial in the artisanal mining process. Before fleeing, they also allegedly tortured those present at the scene, according to local sources.
The Chinese workers employed at the site were reportedly the main targets of the attack. Some of them allegedly suffered acts of torture during the operation. In addition, Cameroonian soldiers in charge of security at the mine site were targeted, with several of them being attacked with machetes.
After subduing those present, the assailants took their loot and fled before reinforcements arrived. Security forces have launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the attack and apprehend those responsible.
This attack highlights the security challenges faced by workers at artisanal mining sites, who are regularly exposed to acts of armed banditry and trafficking related to gold mining. The ongoing investigation will need to determine whether this attack is an isolated act or part of a broader trend of crime targeting mining sites in the region.
