Cameroon: Opposition calls for protest in Yaounde, March 19, after authorities ban demonstration scheduled for March 12 /update 1

Event

Authorities have banned an opposition protest scheduled for March 12 in Yaounde, citing a threat to public order due to senatorial elections falling on the same day. Elected representatives from the PCRN (Parti camerounais pour la reconciliation nationale) opposition party had initially called for a protest over recurrent electricity outages. Organizers have, in turn, called for a protest March 19. Participants will gather from 14:00 at the MRS station near the Texaco Omnisports crossroad and march towards the Afriland agency near Mobil Omnisports crossroad. The event is slated to end at 17:00. Organizers have notified police forces. Authorities have yet to grant permission for the event.

A heightened security presence is likely near the protest sites and along the march route. The potential for clashes with security forces is elevated, notably if the event is banned by authorities and participants assemble.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent impacted areas. Leave the area immediately at the first sign of any confrontation. Heed the advice of security personnel.