Former Cameroonian SDO David Koulbout Aman Passes Away in Tragic Incident

Koulbout, who would have turned 62 in April, reportedly shot himself in the head with his rifle early Monday afternoon.

A Distinguished Career in Administration

Born on April 18, 1963, in Adouma near Abong Mbang in Cameroon’s Eastern region, David Koulbout Aman rose through the ranks of the civil administration to become a respected figure in public service.

Over his career, Koulbout held various notable positions:

• The first sub-prefect of Douala 5th (Bonamoussadi),
• Sub-prefect in Garoua,
• Prefect of Mayo-Danay, Mémé, Bamboutos, and Dja-et-Lobo,
• Finally, Prefect of Mifi in Bafoussam before retiring.

Koulbout was known as a disciplined and effective administrator, whose leadership left a lasting impact on the regions he governed.

Questions Surrounding His Death

The circumstances surrounding Koulbout’s death have sparked widespread speculation. As a retired senior official, he was presumed to be living comfortably, raising questions about what might have driven him to take his own life.

Mental health struggles, the isolation of retirement, or unspoken personal challenges are all being considered as potential factors. However, no formal statement has been released regarding the motive behind the tragedy, and investigations are ongoing.

A Call to Address Mental Health

Koulbout’s death highlights the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by public servants, particularly those transitioning to retirement after decades of high-pressure roles. In many cases, the abrupt shift from a life of responsibility to one of perceived inactivity can lead to feelings of loneliness or inadequacy.

Experts have long called for better mental health support for retirees, especially those who held prominent positions in government or administration.

A Nation in Mourning

The loss of David Koulbout has left his community and former colleagues in shock. Tributes have poured in from across Cameroon, with many praising his contributions to national governance and regional development.

As Cameroon reflects on his life and untimely death, his passing serves as a somber reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues, even among those who appear to be living well.

For now, the nation mourns the loss of a dedicated servant and continues to seek answers about the tragedy that took place in Nkolanga.