Security Message for U.S. Citizens

November 26, 2012

Crimes against tourists in the vicinity of Cameroon’s Melong waterfall and the Manengounba Mountain area

The U.S. Embassy warns U.S. citizens that crime is a serious problem in Cameroon and it is on the rise throughout the country especially at the Manengounba Mountain camping site, the “Twins Lakes” (Lacs Jumeaux), and in the vicinity of the waterfall in Melong, a locality close to the city of Nkongsamba in the Littoral Region.

Several cases of assault at gunpoint have been reported in that area in the vicinity of the waterfall and in the nearby hotels, especially the “Villa Kleber Chollier” and “Villa Luciole.”  On or about August 08, 2012, a U.S. citizen couple and their children were assaulted at gunpoint at about 3:00 AM at the hotel “Villa Kleber Chollier.”  The assailants remained in the room and terrorized the family for about 40 minutes.  In November 2012, the French Embassy reported crimes against French nationals at these locations as well.

The U.S. Embassy has declared the Melong waterfall area off limits to U.S. employees of the Embassy and their families.

Basic security measures will enhance your personal safety while in Cameroon:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If you do go out after dark, do not go alone.  Travel in groups whenever possible.
• Let people know where you are going and when you will be back.
• Do not consume so much alcohol that it impairs your judgment.
• Carry your cell phone with you when you go out, and keep it in a secure place.

You can stay in touch and get Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Yaoundé web site.  You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.  If you don't have internet access, you may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or from other countries on a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  You may also follow U.S. Embassy Yaoundé’s Twitter feed for information for U.S. citizens at twitter.com/USEmbCameroon.     

The U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé encourages U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for the most up-to-date security information.  Keep all of your information in STEP up to date by maintaining your current phone numbers and email addresses where you can be reached in case of an emergency.  You can also download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and the Android market, to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé is located at Avenue Rosa Parks close to the Mont Febe Golf Club. The telephone number is +237 2220-1500 ext. 4341/4023. The number for after-hours emergencies is +237 2220-1500 ext. 4531. The fax number is +237 2220-1572.

The Embassy’s e-mail address is yaoundeacs@state.gov .