Cameroon ramps up security to meet terror threat

Security measures in Cameroon have been tightened after reports that Islamist terror group Boko Haram had managed to infiltrate the capital Yaounde, just a few days before Italy's Pesident Sergio Mattarella was due to visit the city.

The threat from the group, which has previously carried out operations several hundreds of kilometres away from Yaounde, was believed genuine. Security arrangements were ramped up for Mr Mattarella's visit, with soldiers out in the streets and at key points in the city, such as 20th May Boulevard, the city's main thoroughfare, where the large hotels are located and where public demonstrations take place.

The alarm was sounded in a confidential letter to top military officers from Cameroon's Defence Minister Joseph Beti Assomo, which arrived in the hands of the press. It was dated early March, just 10 days or so before the Italian President's official visit, which began on Mar. 17.

As the president of one of Europe's leading countries, he is naturally seen as someone to be protected at all costs by the local authorities. The multimedia broadcaster Voice of America (VOA), funded by the U.S. Government, said: "Boko Haram terrorists had arrived in the city" and were making ready to carry out operations at any moment.

Mr Assomo thus ordered the army to carry out checks everywhere, in public areas, squares, churches, shops and schools, as well as public buildings and ministries. The leaked information has caused no little embarrassment.

Orders include the immediate arrest of suspects, the intensification of intelligence gathering and increased protection for foreigners, diplomats and economic operators in Yaounde. The minister said terrorism threats in Yaounde were real. On Mar. 5, VOA described Yaounde as being "in the grip of panic".

The manager of the hotel hosting the Italian delegation left important written instructions in guests' rooms that windows should not be opened and that balconies overlooking 20th May Boulevard should not be used.

Snipers were positioned on buildings opposite. Double safety checks were carried out on all bags and luggage, first by soldiers and then by men in civilian dress. It would appear that the government asked private security chiefs to lay on extra staff.