East Region: MINAT boss hails post-election calm, warns illegal miners to comply.

The proactive member of government has also warned that those responsible for post-election violence and illegal mining activities in the administrative will be held accountable. 

He was speaking in Bertoua on Monday, June 1, during a security, economic and socio-political evaluation meeting. Minister Atanga Nji met with administrative and security officials to assess the situation in the region following the disturbances that occurred after the October 12, 2025, presidential election, and recurrent complaints of illegal activities in the mining sector. 

Atanga Nji told participants at the meeting that he had been dispatched by the Head of State to evaluate the security, political and economic situation of the region and to reinforce measures aimed at preserving stability.

Focus on security, social cohesion

During the meeting, the minister congratulated administrative and security authorities for maintaining order and restoring calm following the violence, looting and destruction recorded after the presidential election. 

He reiterated government's determination to pursue those who instigated the unrest, regardless of where they may be hiding, while urging political leaders to educate their supporters on civic responsibility and discourage hate speech and tribalism. Atanga Nji said the situation in the East has greatly stabilized. He also underscored the need to preserve social cohesion.

“The East Region has been portraying a very quiet image after the disturbances we had just after the presidential election, but so far so good. I think that things have come back to normalcy and that the populations are going around their businesses. And we should sustain this climate of peace and tranquility and social cohesion amongst the population,” Minister Atanga Nji said.

He noted that the East Region continues to face several security challenges linked to its vast territory and its more than 797-kilometre border with the Central African Republic.

Authorities remain confronted with cross-border criminality, arms trafficking, cattle theft, highway banditry and the illegal exploitation of natural resources. The region also hosts large numbers of refugees fleeing instability in the neighbouring Central African Republic.

Mining sector under scrutiny

A significant part of the meeting focused on the mining sector, which the minister said is facing numerous challenges and irregularities. Minister Atanga Nji announced that administrative authorities have been instructed to facilitate an ongoing inquiry ordered by President Paul Biya into activities within the sector. He called on all mining operators to comply with regulations and cooperate fully with investigators.

“Everything is under control. We have had reports of so many companies doing mining, and there are a lot of problems in the sector. It should be understood that those who are doing all those illegal things will be held accountable,” the minister stated.

He added that President Paul Biya has “ordered an inquiry on the mining sector, and administrative authorities must accompany those conducting the investigations so that they can work without any interference”.

Minister Atanga Nji added that the investigation seeks to identify shortcomings and establish measures to improve governance in the sector.

“Many things are not going on well in that sector. We can only correct them when we put our hands together and do these investigations thoroughly as recommended by the Head of State. When a comprehensive report is submitted, the necessary instructions can be given so that things are done properly for the common good,” he said.

Concerns over mining sites safety

The minister also highlighted concerns over safety conditions at mining sites, referring to reports of numerous fatalities linked to unsafe practices. 

According to figures cited during the meeting, close to 95 deaths have been reported in recent years, many of them associated with excavation activities carried out without adequate precautions. Minister Atanga Nji urged operators to respect established rules and regulations governing the sector.

“For those who are doing their business, they have to comply. It's important for them. It's good to do their businesses because if they are successful, they will pay their taxes. And when they pay their taxes, we can build more schools, more hospitals and more infrastructure for the population,” he said.

The minister further emphasised that the inquiry ordered by the Head of State is intended to address misconduct and improve operations in the sector.

“If President Paul Biya has instructed that they should inquire on something, I think he wants to make things clear that all misconducts or whatever is not properly done in the field should be corrected,” Atanga Nji said.

Further consultations planned

As part of his working visit, the minister during the second of the sojourn to the East Region met with officials of Elections Cameroon, ELECAM, political party representatives and economic operators, including actors in the mining sector.

Yesterday, he conducted an on-site assessment of mining activities in Kambélé. Discussions focused on compliance with the law, environmental protection and the preservation of human dignity in mining operations.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3806 of Wednesday June 03, 2026