Warden Message Archives

Warden Message

Yaoundé, Cameroon

February 29, 2008 - 10:30 p.m.

The following is a message from the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé.

The continued presence of military units throughout Douala, Yaounde and in the South West, West, Littoral and North West provinces has resulted in a tense calm throughout Cameroon. As a result, many shops are open, many people are returning to work, and traffic is circulating in a fairly normal fashion.

Despite the relative calm, the Embassy continues to advise against uncoordinated movements outside of cities. The security situation in Yaounde and Douala has improved significantly. However, because of the unknown potential for violence, riots, and possibly planned demonstrations over the weekend, the Embassy recommends that Americans take the following precautions in these cities:

• Restrict travel to daylight hours only
• Remain at your residence
• Travel to grocery stores, banks, or restaurants during daylight hours only
• Make sure all cell phones, radios or similar items are charged and turned on
• Try to keep a full tank of gas at all times
• Closely monitor the local press regarding developing situations

Airports in Douala and Yaounde remain open and operational with reasonable availability of seats, particularly on less common routes. Short-term visitors are urged to consider departing Cameroon when travel conditions allow and to contact the Embassy immediately for assistance in identifying and joining convoys heading to Yaounde and Douala with military or police escort that are being coordinated with Cameroonian authorities. We also encourage long-term residents to review their preparedness for emergencies, and their possible evacuation plans.

Due to the potential for a rapid resumption of demonstrations and unrest the Department of State authorized the departure from Cameroon of eligible family members of American employees of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde on February 28, 2008.

In response to the crisis the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy has established a dedicated phone line - 237-2220-1500 x4033, and e-mail address - YaoundeACS@state.gov <mailto:YaoundeACS@state.gov> . The Embassy urges any Americans in Cameroon, particularly those located in areas of unrest, to contact the Consular Section to provide information about your situation, or to get current information on developments.

The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon is located at Avenue Rosa Parks, B.P. 817. For after hour emergencies call (237) 2220-15-00 to be connected to a duty officer.

Americans living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, <https://travelregistration.state.gov <https://travelregistration.state.gov/> >, and to obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The Department of State also shares information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov <http://travel.state.gov/> . In addition, U.S. citizens can obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. or Canada, or from other countries on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern time, Monday to Friday (except U.S. holidays).