Cameroon: Ramadan to begin May 15-16

Event

On May 15-16 (depending on the moon in various locations around the world), Muslims will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place between June 14-16 (depending on the country and when Ramadan started). Many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather for festivities and to eat with family, especially over weekends. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of hunger, dehydration, exhaustion, and impatience.

Tight security measures are also to be expected due to a heightened terror threat in the region. Local authorities also typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

In addition, heavy rains are to be expected during Ramadan as Cameroon’s rainy season spans from April to November. Power outages as well as water cuts are possible and can lead to poor food preservation (malfunctioning refrigerators and freezers) and shortages of drinking water. Traffic may be further disrupted if flooding blocks major thoroughfares.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion. Cameroon is a secular country and predominantly Christian; however, around 20 percent of the population is Muslim.

More generally, this period also marks a significant increase in the regional terror threat in many Muslim-majority countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

The Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram is active in Cameroon’s Far North, North, and Adamawa regions. Although Boko Haram's main stronghold is in the Nigerian Sambisa Forest (Borno state), the Far North region of Cameroon, particularly areas along the border with Nigeria, also regularly experiences attacks attributed to Boko Haram militants since 2015.

Advice

Individuals in Muslim-majority regions are advised to avoid daytime eating, drinking, or smoking in public in Muslim-majority areas during this period. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

Travelers advised to remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious behavior, especially considering the increased terrorist risk.

On a separate note, due to the high threat of terrorism, some Western governments advise citizens in or planning travel to Cameroon against travel to the Far North region as well as other areas bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic; travel to these areas should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.