A tragic incident has struck the University of Yaounde II, where Bulawah Conrald Kain, a Master's student in the Faculty of Economics and Management, died on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The young man was electrocuted in his room at the Académie Royale des Sciences d’Afrique university residence. "He died while using his phone while it was charging," a source close to the investigation said.
According to initial findings, Bulawah Conrald Kain was handling his cell phone plugged in for charging when the tragedy occurred. The electric shock proved fatal. The announcement of his death plunged the university community into deep consternation.
The exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear, and an investigation is underway to determine the precise causes of the electrocution. As of now, no official statement has been issued by the university.
This tragedy highlights a recurring problem regarding the safety of electrical installations in university residences in Cameroon. Voices are being raised to demand stricter control of these infrastructures, which are often outdated and potentially dangerous. In November 2014, experts from several African countries met in Yaounde to discuss electrical safety and the sharing of know-how, stressing the importance of reliable electrical systems in emerging countries.
The question of the compliance of electrical installations with safety standards is crucial, especially since, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, up to one-third of malfunctions of medical equipment in developing countries are caused by faulty electrical networks. This tragic incident at the University of Yaounde II reignites the debate on the need to improve electrical safety in public institutions and student residences in Cameroon.
