2024-03-27 06:01:28
It is a tragedy as terrible as it is absurd which puts Cameroonian sport in mourning and arouses indignation. Tchotieu Ernest, double national MMA champion in the under 93kg category, was shot dead in cold blood by the Tunisian national guard on March 24. His crime? Having attempted to swim clandestinely to Europe from the Tunisian coast. A tragic fate which says a lot about the despair of African youth ready to risk everything to escape poverty.
A champion with a broken destiny
As exclusively revealed by 237online.com, Tchotieu Ernest was a distinguished MMA fighter, a booming discipline in Cameroon. Only 28 years old, he already had an impressive track record with two national champion titles under 93kg in 2021 and 2022. A powerful and technical size which promised him a great career.
But behind the smiles and the victories, Tchotieu Ernest hid a deep wound: that of not being able to make a living from his passion. Despite his status as a champion, he struggled to make ends meet and provide for his family. A despair which pushed him to attempt the adventure of illegal emigration, at the risk of his life.
From the octagon to the Mediterranean, the final fight
According to our information, Tchotieu Ernest discreetly left Cameroon several weeks ago, determined to join the European El Dorado. Objective: Italy where he hoped to find a better future. A journey strewn with pitfalls which led him to Tunisia, which despite itself had become a hub of illegal African emigration.
It was from there that he attempted to swim across the Mediterranean, in the company of other unfortunate candidates for exile. But his last fight was the most tragic: spotted by the Tunisian national guard who patrolled the coast, Tchotieu Ernest was shot dead without warning. A “preventive shot” with live ammunition of incredible violence which will be fatal to him.
Anger and indignation in Cameroon
The news of this senseless tragedy caused an immense wave of emotion and anger in Cameroon. In the world of combat sports, there is consternation. “Tchotieu was an exceptional fighter but above all a humble and courageous guy”testifies one of his coaches. “He didn’t deserve to end up like that, like a mess. It’s revolting ! “.
On social networks, messages of tribute and indignation are multiplying. Many denounce the brutality of the Tunisian authorities and the culpable inaction of the Cameroonian government. “What did our embassy in Tunisia do to protect this young compatriot? “, many Internet users protest. “We demand a firm reaction from our diplomacy! “.
One tragedy too many, the government challenged
Beyond emotion, Tchotieu Ernest’s drama acutely poses the burning question of illegal emigration which is bleeding African youth. How many talents, dreams and lives were lost on the altar of the Mediterranean, this immense marine cemetery? How many families bereaved by these departures without return to a hypothetical Eldorado?
Faced with this tragedy too many, the Cameroonian government is more challenged than ever. Questioned on the urgency of creating the conditions for a dignified life and a desirable future for our youth. Also questioned about the need for a firm diplomatic reaction so that all light is shed on the exact circumstances of the death of Tchotieu Ernest.