Cameroon Ramadan Security Concerns
By JoAnne Green
October 1, 2008

September 30, 2008, the U.S. Embassy Yaounde, Cameroon advised American citizens resident in Cameroon to remain particularly vigilant when out on the town walking, shopping, dining, etc. 

Historically, the end of the Ramadan season has been marked by an increase in purse snatchings, car thefts, household invasions, and general criminality.  The volume of these crimes tends to be especially high in the neighborhoods of Briqueterie and Mokolo. 

Americans are also reminded to be vigilant to the threat of piracy in ocean-side locations including Limbe, Douala and Kribi.  During the early morning of Sunday September 28 a sizable group of heavily armed attackers arrived in speedboats at Down Beach in Limbe, and proceeded to attack multiple banks, reportedly killing one bystander and wounding several others. The attack strongly resembles a robbery that occurred in Bata, Equatorial Guinea in December 2007.  The nature of the attacks suggests the involvement of criminal gangs which operate in the Niger delta area, some of which have engaged in attacks on oil platforms, and in the kidnapping of oil workers. Americans living or visiting coastal areas should be alert to the possibility of future attacks. 

 

Should you find yourself at the site of an attack you should make no attempt to resist any requests made of you. As always, if you see or hear anything indicative of an attack, use prudence in departing the area immediately.

Travel Advisories

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs gives the following advice Australians who are traveling, working or living in Cameroon: "Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas, organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy."

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office gives the following advice British people who are traveling, working or living in Cameroon: "We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. This should cover medical evacuation by air ambulance. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake."

The Canadian Foreign Affairs Office gives the following advice to Canadians who are traveling, working or living in Cameroon: "Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover costs if you get sick or are injured while abroad. Out-of-country healthcare can be costly, and your health plan will cover only part of the bill at best. It is your responsibility to obtain supplementary travel insurance and understand the terms of your policy. Some credit card companies offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume that coverage is automatically included or that the card alone provides adequate coverage."

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade gives the following advice to New Zealanders: "New Zealanders travelling or resident in Cameroon should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place that include provision for medical evacuation by air."

The U.S. Department of State gives the following advice to Americans who are traveling, working or living in Cameroon: "We strongly urge you to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and overseas medical services. Please keep in mind that Medicare does not cover any illness or injury that occurs outside of the United States."

How We Can Help

We at Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services are happy to provide you free consultation and free quotes for the appropriate insurance plan that meets your needs. We invite you to visit our websites at: Sunburst International Risk Management and Sunburst Worldwide Insurance Services

Click the Banner Below:

Click here for Instant Quotes & Online Purchase
  For Global Travel Medical, Accident, & Life Insurance