Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08YAOUNDE521
2008-06-02 06:41:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Yaounde
Cable title:  

Snapshot of Douala Post-Riots

Tags:  PGOV ECON EAGR ASEC CM 
pdf how-to read a cable
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PP RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMA RUEHMR RUEHPA RUEHRN RUEHTRO
DE RUEHYD #0521 1540641
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 020641Z JUN 08
FM AMEMBASSY YAOUNDE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8905
INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE 0155
UNCLAS YAOUNDE 000521 

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

DEPT ALSO FOR AF/C
DEPT ALSO FOR HR/OE
PARIS AND LONDON FOR AFRICA WATCHERS

E.O. 12958: n/a
TAGS: PGOV ECON EAGR ASEC CM
SUBJECT: Snapshot of Douala Post-Riots

UNCLAS YAOUNDE 000521

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

DEPT ALSO FOR AF/C
DEPT ALSO FOR HR/OE
PARIS AND LONDON FOR AFRICA WATCHERS

E.O. 12958: n/a
TAGS: PGOV ECON EAGR ASEC CM
SUBJECT: Snapshot of Douala Post-Riots


1. (U) Summary: Douala -- CameroonQs business capital, largest
city, and hotbed of the opposition -- remains calm following riots
in February and a constitutional amendment in April. However, there
is rising frustration about the price of food. End summary.


2. (U) Douala has remained calm in the aftermath of February riots
and the April vote to amend the constitution. Over the past few
months, government authorities anticipated protests in the city, and
deployed army troops on the streets. Rapid intervention battalion
troops (known under the French acronym, B.I.R.) remain on patrol in
various neighborhoods as a deterrent. Sources have reported
sporadic identification checks conducted by police and gendarmes but
the level of tension among the public has subsided. There has been
no attempt to defy the Littoral Province GovernorQs ban on political
protests.


3. (U) Nevertheless, there is widespread frustration in Douala
that recent government measures have not had the anticipated impact
in reducing food prices, which have continued to rise. One
well-informed media source told Douala-based Commercial LES that
people in the city are very pessimistic about the governmentQs
ability or willingness to improve economic conditions. The source
expressed a concern that if prices continue to rise, a minor social
spark, such as a motorbike cab protest, could fuel further civil
unrest.


4. (SBU) Douala sources indicate that security forces are growing
impatient. In some areas during the February riots, gendarmes were
reportedly disarmed and whipped. The continued presence of army
troops in Douala and Yaound had reportedly put significant stress
on the security services. As of early may, B.I.R. troops have been
quartered to barracks.


5. (U) Comment: Douala has traditionally been a hotbed for the
political opposition. The February riots hit worst in Douala, and
the government is particularly cautious about political activity
there. A recent gasoline shortage in Douala, for example, caused
nervousness throughout the country (although the cause was linked to
inventory problems, not politics). National Day on May 20 passed
peacefully in Douala but we will continue to monitor this
strategically important and potentially volatile city.

GARVEY