Cameroonian Court Orders Boeing to Pay Nearly 160 Billion XAF to Biya's Regime

This legal saga traces its roots back to August 30, 1984, when an aircraft belonging to Cameroon Airlines, later rebranded as CAMAIR CO, suffered a catastrophic accident. At the time, the State of Cameroon held a majority stake in the national carrier.

The breakdown of the compensation amount is as follows: 46 million US dollars (XAF 27,780,000,000) for the loss of the aircraft, 211.1 million US dollars (XAF 127,500,000,000) for loss of operation, 4.9 million US dollars (XAF 3,000,000,000) for non-material damage (specifically, reputation), and 331,252 US dollars (XAF 200,000,000) for legal fees.

The ruling by the Court of Appeal of the Wouri High Court was informed by an exhaustive investigation report into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. The report revealed critical details, including the rupture of the seventh stage disk of the right engine during takeoff from Douala Airport's runway 12/30. This rupture led to the piercing of the right wing's fuel tank by debris, resulting in fuel leakage onto hot engine and taxiway surfaces. Subsequent ignition of the fuel by sparks culminated in the complete destruction of the aircraft.

The Tribunal held Boeing responsible for the design and overall conception of the Boeing 737 aircraft with registration TJ-CBD, while Pratt & Whitney was deemed accountable for the design and manufacture of the engine containing the ruptured disk.

This ruling stands as a testament to the judicial commitment to accountability and justice, marking a significant milestone in the quest for restitution and closure for the State of Cameroon.