CDC losses over FCFA 1. 8 million for illegal felling of young palms at Esuke Mutengene

The Cameroon Development Corporation, CDC, says it has suffered an estimated loss of over FCFA 1,820,000 after 52 young palm trees were cut down on its plantation at Esuke, Mutengene on Thursday, August 20, 2026, by individuals allegedly mobilized by persons claiming to represent the Muslim Community.

According to Kebbi Ekwille, CDC Property Manager, CDC management intervened on site this morning after receiving information that a group had entered the estate.

"We immediately alerted the security hierarchy and proceeded to the site. We asked security to stop them because this area has not been surrendered. There is a laid-down procedure for the surrender of CDC parcels to third parties as clearly stipulated in the Ministerial Order of 3rd March 2023, and that procedure has not been followed," he stated.

The cost of destruction

Based on the Prime Ministerial Order of 25th February 2023, each destroyed palm tree is valued at 35,000 FCFA. With 52 young palms cut down, the direct damage is estimated at FCFA 1,820,000.

But CDC says the financial loss is only part of the problem.

"That is not even the issue. Workers work here and so many families depend on this plantation. The economic implications are far greater than the cost of evaluation," General Manager Franklin Ngoni Njie said.

The GM noted that the palms destroyed were planted in 2016 and are currently at their prime. "This is a very high yielding area. The yield per hectare here is extremely high," he added.

CDC also disclosed that this plantation is expected to supply its newly commissioned mini-mill at Moliwe.

CDC position: No legal surrender

The GM recalled that the group applied for the land in 2023, but during the signboard commission, CDC made it clear that this area could not be recommended for surrender.

CDC further said it has received disclaimers from the recognized Chief of the Muslim Community in Mutengene, who stated that the person claiming leadership "is not the Chief."

A meeting with the administration, presided over by the late SDO, also ruled that the group had no right to request CDC land.

Despite this, the group began enclosure and started issuing purported "allocation letters" for CDC land.

"CDC has written so many correspondences on this. Even the administration has objected and has information that these people are imposters claiming to be leaders of the Muslim community," the GM stated.

Presidential suspension in force

CDC cited a Presidential directive suspending all land transactions in Fako and on CDC land.

"The Head of State has suspended all land transactions in Fako and on CDC land. For any surrender, there must be authorization from the Presidency. That letter was very clear authorization was on condition that the land was available," the GM explained.

CDC has called on the administration and security forces to enforce the law and prevent further encroachment and destruction on CDC lands.

CDC GM, Franklin Ngoni Njie speaking to the press yesterday