Djoujeu Ernest, a 28-year-old striving to break free from the clutches of poverty and unemployment in Cameroon, met his demise while attempting to reach Europe through the perilous Mediterranean route.
Today, Djoujeu, a young Cameroonian, tragically lost his life in Tunisia at the hands of the Tunisian National Guard. Alongside fellow migrants, he was returning from the sea after an unsuccessful voyage to Europe when Tunisian guards opened fire, fatally striking him down.
Djoujeu harboured a fervent passion for boxing, idolising Francis Ngannou as his role model. It seemed that embarking on the journey through the desert was his perceived avenue to emulate his hero.
Francis Ngannou, one of the world’s renowned professional boxers, made the bold decision to journey to Paris, France, in his twenties to pursue a career in professional boxing. Undeterred by the numerous challenges he encountered, he persevered with unwavering determination. “I want to give some opportunity to children like me who dream of this sport and don’t have an opportunity like me. The last time I was in Cameroon, I brought a lot of materials for boxing and MMA to open a gym. Now I just bought a big space to start the gym, as well,” Ngannou had said while reflecting on his journey across continents and his decision to become an MMA fighter.
But Djoujeu’s aspirations were cut short, bringing a heartbreaking end to his dreams. This is not the first Cameroonian in search of greener pastures who has ended up dead or in bad health.
May his soul rest in peace.
