An atmosphere of profound grief and solemnity swept through Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport on Sunday, June 21, 2026 as CCAA’s senior management, staff clad in matching corporate fabric, relatives, and family members gathered in large numbers in the domestic arrivals hall to pay a final tribute to Mr. ALLABIRA Mamadou, the late Deputy Director-General of the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA). This emotional gathering marked the beginning of a final journey that would see his remains transferred to Garoua ahead of his burial on Monday, June 22, 2026, in his native village of Yelli Tchamba, located in the Faro department.

To honor the legacy of this distinguished civil servant, a man who left an indelible mark on the CCAA and Cameroon's broader aviation community, a formal ceremony of remembrance was organized, drawing numerous government officials who joined the airport crowd in a silent tribute.

The emotional proceedings opened with the ritual Doua prayer, recited by a group of imams who praised the deceased for embodying simplicity and his compassion for others. The religious leaders called for peace and rest for his soul, while urging his colleagues to honor his memory through continuity, professionalism, and responsibility.

Following the prayers, and in strict accordance with the established order of precedence, officials, the bereaved family, and CCAA staff took turns to bow with dignity before the remains of the illustrious deceased. This final, quiet gesture of respect bore powerful witness to the place of honor Mr. Mamadou held in the hearts of those he led and worked alongside as he embarked on his final earthly voyage.

Once the formal tributes in Yaoundé concluded, the remains were loaded onto a Camair-Co flight bound for Garoua International Airport. After a quiet night of contemplation and prayer in Garoua, the funeral procession set off on Monday morning for the village of Tchamba-Yelli, in the Beka district of the Faro department. It is there, in his native land, that this senior civil servant was ultimately laid to rest.

By: Sandrine ZOBO / PRU

Translation: MKG / ARO-PRU