Security Overview for Cameroon

Cameroon is a stable democracy, although power is firmly held by an ethnic oligarchy headed by President Paul Biya, who has been in power since 1982. The opposition has remained relatively powerless.

In 1961 the former French and British Cameroon merged into one country. The language divide between the two areas remains the major cause of unrest in the country. Clashes between the two groups are rising as English-speaking Cameroonians increasingly clamor for independence. Avoid areas near the border with Chad; armed groups easily cross the border and engage in illegal activities.

Both petty and violent crime are a major concern in Cameroon. Carjacking, assault and theft are common throughout the country and travelers are often targeted because of their perceived wealth. Many crimes are perpetrated by groups of unemployed persons called "Faymen." If confronted, hand over cash and valuables immediately, as robbers have killed victims who resist.

The police are largely ineffective; few crimes are ever solved. Police and military officials have been known to extort bribes from motorists for non-existent traffic violations. Carry copies of all important documents (passport, residence card, driver's license and/or vehicle registration) as police occasionally do identification checks at random checkpoints. Certified copies of these important documents should be kept in a secure location separate from the originals. Crimes are especially common in the main tourist, business and shopping areas of Yaounde and Douala. To reduce vulnerability, avoid walking alone or after dark, even in groups.

Carjacking is a major concern throughout Cameroon and anti-theft devices are of little use as hijackers usually force passengers to remain in the car and disarm the anti-theft device. Carjackers prefer to target four-wheel drive vehicles with only one passenger. Do not drive alone. Drivers outside major cities, especially in areas north of Garoua where armed bands are active, are also at risk. Exercise caution near the borders of Nigeria, the Central African Republic and Chad, and especially in the zone west of Ngaoundere, the Bouba Ndjida National Park and in the area between Madingrim and Touboro.

Travel by public transportation is not secure and should be avoided. Travel only by private vehicle and hotel taxis, especially to the airport. Exercise caution at the international airport in Douala as criminals have been known to steal passenger luggage.

Civil unrest is not common but incidents have occurred on the eves of large celebrations and national holidays. Strikes, protests and demonstrations are rare, but become more common in periods leading up to elections. There are sporadic demonstrations in Yauonde and Douala against government abuses of human rights.

About 20 percent of the population in Muslim. Islamic fundamentalism is not a major force in Cameroon. The threat of domestic and international terrorism in Cameroon is low.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.