The city of Limbe, in the Southwest region of Cameroon, is gripped by tension following the tragic murder of a Mobile Money operator. On May 6, 2026, the young woman was shot dead in broad daylight by armed men, an act that sparked outrage and anger among her colleagues and the community.
As a sign of protest and to demand immediate action, many Mobile Money kiosk operators took to the streets of Limbe on May 7. Dressed in black t-shirts and brandishing signs, they expressed their frustration with the increasing insecurity threatening their profession. The protesters denounced the brutal murder of their colleague, a Mobile Money kiosk cashier, and demanded urgent protection measures.
According to collected testimonies, the victim was attacked by armed men who shot her before seizing her takings. This tragedy, which occurred in broad daylight, highlighted the vulnerability of Mobile Money operators, who have become prime targets for robbers.
"Enough is enough!" chanted the protesters, reflecting the general feeling of fear and frustration that has gripped the Mobile Money operator community. They are calling for increased security around money transfer points and a firm response from the authorities to crime.
This murder is not an isolated case. According to community sources, at least 15 Mobile Money agents have been victims of armed robberies in the Limbe area between December 2024 and May 2025, with several of these attacks being fatal. This resurgence of violence has created a climate of fear among traders and Mobile Money agents, who feel abandoned by the state security forces.
The increase in banditry targeting Mobile Money operators highlights the growing challenges related to security in the digital financial sector in Cameroon. Although Mobile Money has promoted financial inclusion, it has also opened up new avenues for crime, as experts point out. Faced with this situation, the operators in Limbe are calling for urgent action to guarantee their safety and allow them to continue carrying out their activity with complete peace of mind.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the specific measures that will be taken to address the concerns raised by Mobile Money operators in Limbe. The investigation into the murder of the Mobile Money operator is ongoing.
