Cameroon: Several injured in explosion in southern Yaoundé on July 2

Event

At least three people were injured on the evening of Thursday, July 2, in an explosion in the Rond Point Damas area of southern Yaoundé. The explosion near the roundabout reportedly hit several passers-by, but it is currently unclear whether any person or vehicle was specifically targeted. Although officials are yet to comment on the incident, the blast is believed to have been caused by a crude improvised explosive device (IED) and security forces have cordoned off the area of the incident.

An increased security forces presence is likely around Rond Point Damas, as well as other areas throughout the capital, in the near term.

Context

Thursday's incident follows the detonation of two small IEDs in the Melen and Emana areas of the capital on the night of June 20. The explosions 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.