On 24 November 2022, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Dr. Kunio Mukuriya, expressed his condolences on the passing of Mr. Etienne Sama II, Director of the WCO Regional Intelligence and Liaison Office for Central Africa and the Great Lakes (RILO-CA). The message of the Secretary General was read during the burial with military funeral honors, held in Yaoundé.
“Mr. Etienne Sama II will always be remembered as a passionate advocate for Customs modernization. His enthusiasm was apparent during presentation of reports for several enforcement operations that he coordinated across the region”, said Secretary General Mikuriya.
The Minister of Finance of the Republic of Cameroon, HE. Louis Paul Motaze, extended his personal gratitude to Dr. Kunio Mikuriya for his expression of compassion on that day.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Sama II helped to mount and coordinated successfully the operation CRIPHARM 3, that allowed the region to fight against the proliferation of fake medicines. Also, his collaboration with the WCO Compliance and Enforcement sub directorate was much appreciated, especially during operations STOP I & II as well as THUNDER VII to protect the society.
Mr. Etienne Sama II is fondly remembered as an eager learner and a committed professional, and he will be deeply missed by the Customs community.