IS YAOUNDE UNDER THREAT OF TERRORIST ATTACKS ?

“People have been advised to stay away from soft targets... open markets , parks.  I have been indoors since it is week end.” 

YAOUNDE BRIQUETTERI VIOLENCE..JAN 7

“There was a raid in Etoudi neighbourhood yesterday. We observe  patrolling security officers around  the central town, “Poste Central.” 

Those were two residents in the Efoulan and Nlongkak neighbourhoods speaking from Cameroon’s political capital, Yaounde, March 5.

Yaounde Under threats of Terrorist Attacks?

The Ministry of Defense in an apparent  leaked internal memo dated March 2, 2016 ordered the immediate closure of one of the entrances to the Military Headquarters.

'MINDEF' WARNING MEMO

Minister Joseph Beti Assomo instructed that security around the the military headquarters and ministerial buildings be stepped up.

He also requested pedestrian and motorized checks around populated areas and  for all defense and security forces  to remain vigilant.

The memo singled out the restive Briqueteri neighbourhood where  the local market and a police station came under attack from irate residents on January 7 2016.

The Divisional officer for Yaounde II Subdivision, Yampen Ousman  described the then incident as masterminded by a  group of uncontrolled delinquents.

US Embassy Maintains its Restrictions

US Embassy Yaounde in a security message said it was aware of reports which said Cameroonian security forces were increasing their presence at hotels, government buildings, 

MINISTER BETI ASSOMO (L)

and other public areas, including at ministries, army barracks, military hospitals, and “crowded places”, over the weekend of March 4,(2016) in response to possible threats against public venues in Yaounde.

The March 4 statement maintained restrictions on travel by U.S. official personnel to the North, Far North, East  and  the eastern Adamawa Regions of Cameroon including border areas with Chad and CAR where it said violence, banditry and military operations could quickly spill over to Cameroon

Other  unconfirmed sources are indicating that the city of Douala could also be a possible ‘target’ though residents have not witnessed the atmosphere that characterizes Yaounde.