Warden Message Archives
Warden Message - Situation Update
March 3, 2008
The following is a message from the American Citizen Services unit at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé.
A situation of tense calm continues throughout Cameroon. The continued heavy presence of security forces in Yaounde, Douala and the affected provinces of the country has permitted the government, businesses, and individuals to return to normal activities.
In light of this situation the Embassy has advised its employees that they may return to normal activities around Yaounde. Americans in Douala are advised to limit travel outside the Bonanjo and Bonapriso neighborhoods to areas which they know well. The Embassy has also authorized unescorted travel of its employees between Yaounde and Douala, but maintains our prior policy banning inter-city travel at night due to road safety conditions. The Embassy reminds American citizens that although the security situation has improved, it is subject to rapid change. Although it is possible to return in large measure to regular activities and travel, citizens are urged to continue exercising caution, and to stay as well-informed as possible about security conditions, particularly before undertaking inter-city travel.
In the coming days it is likely that various events, such as protest marches, will come to the attention of the Embassy. The U.S. Embassy will post notice of protests, marches, strikes and demonstrations on the Embassy website under the heading of "Demonstration Notices." Individual warden messages will not be sent to inform American citizens of these events.
American citizens in Cameroon will continue to receive warden messages with general guidance and updates on major developments or other threats.
In response to the crisis the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy remains open only for American citizen services (routine and emergency) and maintains a dedicated phone line - 237-2220-1500 x4033, and e-mail address - YaoundeACS@state.gov,
The Embassy urges any Americans in Cameroon to review their preparations for emergency situations, and to ensure that current registration information is on file with the Embassy. This can be accomplished most easily by utilizing the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov.
The Department of State also shares information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at 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).