Seven years after a devastating fire, the Director-General of Cameroon’s Société Nationale de Raffinage (SONARA) publicly announced the refinery’s rebirth. This announcement included a claim of 700 billion FCFA in funding secured for the reconstruction. However, sources suggest the stated funding figure may be inflated and used to mislead President Paul Biya regarding the project’s progress. Concerns are rising about the transparency of the reconstruction efforts and the actual availability of funds. Critics allege a deliberate misrepresentation of the situation to maintain a positive public image and secure continued government support. The true state of SONARA’s recovery remains unclear, with questions surrounding the veracity of the reported investment. This situation raises concerns about accountability and the effective use of public resources in Cameroon’s vital energy sector.