Cameroon: South West Governor Orders Closure of Illegal Beaches Used for Smuggling

LIMBE, PAV – Bernard Okalia Bilai, the Governor of the South West Region, has ordered the immediate closure of all clandestine beaches used for illegal importation activities along the Fako coastline, warning that the government will no longer tolerate the use of unauthorised landing sites for goods entering the country.

Governor Okalia Bilai issued the directive in Limbe after chairing a regional security meeting at the Limbe City Council Chambers, attended by administrative authorities, security officials and local government representatives.

The governor instructed the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Fako, Engelbert Viang Mekala, and Divisional Officers (DOs) across the division to ensure that all illegal beach landing points are shut down without delay.

“The time for tolerance is over,” Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai declared, insisting that all import and export activities must henceforth pass through officially recognised government ports.

Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai added that only the ports of Idenau, Bota and Tiko are legally authorised to handle maritime importation and exportation in Fako Division. “We have come here to reinforce the closure of all clandestine ports. Henceforth, whatever importation activities have to take place, even those that have enjoyed some tolerance, must of necessity pass through government-recognised ports,” Governor Okalia said.

For years, several coastal communities including Wovia, Botaland, Dockyard, Limbola, Ngeme, Batoke and Debundscha have reportedly used beach fronts as unofficial landing sites for goods arriving from neighbouring Nigeria. Among the products commonly brought in through these routes is smuggled fuel, locally known as “Zoa Zoa.”

Authorities acknowledge that following the 31 May 2019 fire at the National Oil Refining Company (SONARA), which halted domestic fuel refining, some tolerance was exercised toward the importation of petroleum products through these coastal entry points.

However, Governor Okalia Bilai said the situation has changed, arguing that the same routes are now being exploited for the illegal trafficking of drugs, weapons and ammunition, posing a serious threat to regional security.

He linked the proliferation of narcotics among young people in the South West Region to the activities taking place through these unauthorised beaches. “The drugs and other prohibited substances entering the Southwest Region are passing through these tolerant beaches,” he said, calling on local administrators and security forces to intensify surveillance and enforce the closure order.

The governor also cited the recent discovery of an illegal makeshift oil refinery in Limbe as evidence of the dangers posed by uncontrolled maritime activities. The clandestine refinery was uncovered after a fire broke out at the facility, prompting authorities to investigate its operations.

“Where were they getting their crude oil from, if not through these clandestine beaches?” Governor Okalia asked, adding that the illegal refinery must be dismantled.

Despite the crackdown, the governor stressed that the administration is not seeking to deprive coastal communities of their livelihoods. “This should not be seen as though we don’t want the people living along the coastline to benefit from the advantages of living by the sea,” he said. “The people should enjoy their rights, but this should be in accordance with the laws laid down by the State.”

Officials also noted that the widespread use of clandestine beaches has negatively affected customs revenue by diverting goods away from the officially recognised ports of Idenau, Bota and Tiko, where duties and taxes are collected. They believe the enforcement of the latest directive will strengthen border security, curb smuggling and improve government revenue collection.