Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08YAOUNDE194
2008-02-28 16:42:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Yaounde
Cable title:  

Cameroon: Update on security situation

Tags:  ASEC KSAC CM CASC PHUM ELAB PINR PGOV KPAO 
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VZCZCXYZ0015
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHYD #0194 0591642
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 281642Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8630
UNCLAS YAOUNDE 000194 

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, DS/OSAC, AF/C, DS/DSS/CC

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KSAC CM CASC PHUM ELAB PINR PGOV KPAO
SUBJECT: Cameroon: Update on security situation

Ref: Yaounde 0121, Yaounde 0182, Yaounde 0191

UNCLAS YAOUNDE 000194

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, DS/OSAC, AF/C, DS/DSS/CC

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KSAC CM CASC PHUM ELAB PINR PGOV KPAO
SUBJECT: Cameroon: Update on security situation

Ref: Yaounde 0121, Yaounde 0182, Yaounde 0191


1. (U) Embassy Yaounde's EAC met at 3:00 pm local time to discuss
the security situation in Cameroon. Ambassador Garvey is requesting
Authorized Departure for Eligible Family Members from Post. In
attendance were DCM, RSO, DAO, POL/ECON, PA, CONS, and Peace Corps.


2. (U) Several hot spots throughout the country were reported,
mainly in the North West and West provinces, and specifically the
cities of Bafoussam, Bamenda, Kumbo, Kumba, Santa, and Mbengwe.
These cities are still seeing rioting, looting, and sporadic
gunfire. Yaounde remained quiet throughout the day on February 28,
though gunfire could be heard in many parts of the city overnight
February 27-28. The military is out in full force and almost every
citizen is indoors. Schools are closed, banks are closed, most
stores are closed, and public markets are empty. There are no taxis
operating in Yaounde. Douala is mainly quiet with some reports of
localized rioting. The military has lined the entrance and exit to
the city of Douala and it is now possible to drive through, though
this could change at any time.


3. (U) The airports in Yaounde and Douala remain open, but flights
departing on February 28 and in the coming days are fully booked.
The Peace Corps office remains closed and all Peace Corps Volunteers
and staff are safe. The American Schools of Yaounde and Douala
remain closed. Several gas stations in Yaounde are open but with
very long lines.


4. (U) The Embassy has taken advantage of this lull in rioting to
work with the French to join in two separate motorcades that
included Embassy employees and private American citizens. There is
one motorcade heading from Limbe to Douala and another heading from
Koutaba to Yaounde. Both are being run and organized by the French.
Post is tracking the progress of these motorcades. At this
writing, the Limbe convoy stopped safely in Douala, and two Emboffs
will stay in Douala overnight February 28-29. We will reassess
their travel in the morning.


5. (U) In connection with the request for authorized departure for
eligible family members, the current travel advisory will be
upgraded to a travel warning. The Embassy has been closely
coordinating with the other foreign missions in country, as well as
the UN.


6. (U) Embassy operations continue, though trips off compound have
been restricted. The EAC will continue to monitor a number of
factors in this ever-changing security environment. Several U.S.
companies in Douala have sent their employees home on an "ordered
departure" status. The Embassy Branch Office Director in Douala
remains in his residence and reports that he has been able to
purchase food and gas.


7. (U) POC for this cable is RSO Laura D. Williams.