Cameroon: Explosion injures several in Yaoundé August 14

Event

An explosion in Yaoundé injured several people and caused minor material damages on Friday, August 14. Reportedly, the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) that detonated in a bar near the Mokolo market. Reports indicate that two individuals entered the bar and planted a bag there, before leaving the scene. Security forces have since cordoned the area off.

A heightened security presence is to be anticipated in Yaoundé in the near term. 

Context

Friday's incident follows the detonation of two small IEDs in Yaounde on June 20. These explosions also caused little damage and only minor injuries, but the incidents have raised concerns over the potential terrorism threat in Yaoundé. Although no group has yet claimed responsibility for the bombings, there has been speculation that they could be linked to the ongoing insurgency in the Anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions.

Advice

Those in Yaoundé are advised to monitor developments, anticipate an increased security presence in the city, and immediately report any suspicious items or activity to security forces.