Warden Message Archives

Warden Message

Yaounde, Cameroon

April 2, 2008

The following is a message from the American Citizens Services Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Cameroon:

Further stabilization of the security situation in Cameroon has led the Department of State to remove the travel warning for American citizens contemplating a visit to Cameroon and to return the Embassy to a normal security posture.

While the Embassy does not anticipate a resurgence of civil unrest in the coming weeks, the political climate remains tense.  Moreover, Cameroon faces serious social and economic challenges which could engender further unrest in the future if not seriously addressed.  While returning to normal activities, American citizens in Cameroon are encouraged to be cognizant of political and other developments by monitoring the local media.  The security situation can deteriorate rapidly and suddenly, as long term residents have witnessed recently.  Citizens should be familiar with the emergency plans of their employer/organization and be in touch with their warden.

While the security situation has improved, crime remains a serious and dangerous problem in Cameroon.  Americans should be aware that violent crime is a significant threat, particularly in larger cities. Recently, two European nationals were kidnapped and held for ransom after falling victim to criminals who posed as businessmen developing a palm oil plantation.  The two were later released unharmed.

More information on general security conditions in Cameroon can be found at
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1081.html.

Private American citizens should be aware that it may not be possible to travel during an outbreak of a highly contagious disease, such as avian influenza.  Governments may close borders suddenly and without advance warning; commercial air, land and sea carriers could curtail or cancel service; and restricting travel may be the best way to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. These developments could impede a return to the United States or travel to another country or region.  Therefore, Americans who are overseas during a pandemic may need to remain where they are until conditions improve, a situation which could last several months.  For more information, please consult the Department of State’s pandemic flu websites at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/flu/flu_1181.html and http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_3096.html#

The Department of State maintains a website at www.travel.state.gov that includes extensive information for Americans living overseas.  In particular the section on International Travel for U.S. Citizens has a sub-section on Tips for Traveling Abroad that may be helpful to review at this time.  The site also has information specific to Emergencies and Crises including useful checklists and information about evacuations.  That page is accessible via: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html  The “U.S. Citizen Services” section of the Embassy website http://yaounde.usembassy.gov also contains useful documentation, including a phone list of key institutions in Cameroon.

The Embassy urges all American citizens in Cameroon to register with the Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov, or to register directly with the Embassy by e-mailing YaoundeACS@state.gov, or by telephoning the Embassy at 237-2220-1500 x4033. By registering with the Embassy, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of an emergency. Registering will also help the Embassy to put you in touch with your local American citizen warden, who can help keep you informed of developments.

The U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé is located on Avenue Rosa Parks in the Mbankolo Quartier, adjacent to the Mount Febe Golf Club; mailing address P.O. Box 817; embassy tel. (237) 2220-1500, fax: (237) 2220-1572.  The Embassy Branch Office in Douala is located on the corner of Rue Ivy and Rue French in the Ecobank Building in Bonanjo, tel.: (237) 3342-5331, fax: (237) 3342-7790.