Cameroon Country Report

Cameroon is a developing country in West Africa that has enjoyed relative stability under the three-decade rule of President Paul Biya. While it has largely avoided the ethnic strife that has blighted other countries in the region, Cameroon's Northwest and Southwest has seen an uptick in tensions in recent years, as long-running grievances over the anglophone-majority region's perceived marginalization come to the fore. The government's heavy-handed response has only served to fuel the crisis, with the emergence of armed groups contributing to an increase in violence.

Economic development has been fuelled largely by the country's substantial reserves of extractive commodities, which is also one of the primary enticements for foreign investment in the country, though corruption and cronyism are pervasive and pose challenges for investors. Border regions with the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, and Nigeria are dangerous due to the serious risk of banditry and presence of armed fighters. Criminal activity is generally the main threat to foreign visitors. Infrastructure across the country is considerably underdeveloped, particularly in rural areas, though Cameroon's major cities are still lacking in modern medical facilities and safe road conditions.

The Northwest and Southwest have seen an increase in violence since 2017, with armed groups staging multiple attacks, including raids on security forces and mass kidnappings. Cameroon's Far North region also remains vulnerable to sporadic cross-border terrorist attacks from islamist groups based in Nigeria. Crime is prevalent in urban centers, with foreign travelers most likely to be targeted in incidents of petty and opportunistic theft. Civil unrest occurs intermittently, with high unemployment and living costs remaining the most potent triggers for outbreaks of disturbances.

There are concerns over aviation safety.

Cameroon's road networks, both paved and unpaved, are poorly maintained and unsafe at all times of the year.

The Douala port is one of the least efficient ports of the region and represents a major constraint to growth.

The country experiences sporadic fuel shortages and electricity supply disruptions. Communications networks are generally reliable in Douala and Yaounde, but less so in rural areas.

Cyber criminal activity is a serious problem in Cameroon.

Cameroon’s climate varies between the regions, with the north experiencing semi-arid and dry conditions and the south typically being humid and tropical, particularly in coastal regions. Flooding is a recurrent problem during the May-September wet season, with coastal regions in the south often being affected.

Mosquito-borne diseases are the major epidemiological concern in the country. Malaria is present throughout Cameroon. Vaccines before travel are also required, for example, for yellow fever. Standards of medical care and facilities are generally inadequate, and any serious conditions will likely require evacuation to a country with more modern equipment. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking.

Cameroon has been largely peaceful under the long-ruling president Paul Biya, but his omnipresence on the political scene and uncertainty over his succession have raised concerns over the country’s political trajectory. Corruption is widespread and creates significant difficulties for foreign investors and business travelers. The effectiveness of law enforcement continues to be undermined by corruption.