West Africa: Increased security and movement disruptions likely in parts of West Africa amid French presidential visit July 25-28

Event

Increased security and movement disruptions are likely in parts of Cameroon, Benin, and Guinea-Bissau amid the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron July 25-28. The exact program is unclear. Macron will arrive in Yaounde in Cameroon, likely via Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport (YAO), at around 22:00 July 25 and will stay in the country until July 26. In Benin, Macron will likely land at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO) July 27. On July 28, the president will likely visit Bissau via Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) in Guinea-Bissau.

Security measures in the visited cities are likely to include road closures and checkpoints. Heightened security and movement restrictions are also likely at affected airports. Measures will be particularly heightened in Yaounde as an artisanal bomb detonated in the Damas area of the city the morning of July 25 ahead of the visit. There have been no casualties or major damages reported.

Spontaneous anti-French protests remain possible in the affected cities amid the visit. The visit comes amid a regionwide trend of anti-government and anti-French military protests in recent months. However, as yet, no such protests have been reported or planned in connection with Macron’s visit.

Advice

Plan for movement disruptions. Avoid any protests that occur due to possible violence. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Reconfirm flights via listed airports as a precaution.