Cameroon: Update on security situation

UNCLAS YAOUNDE 000195 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.