The Prefect of Mfoundi, Emmanuel Mariel Djikdent, informed people under his jurisdiction last July 12 that leaving a package unattended in public areas is now banned.

"Law enforcement forces are authorized to search any package or bag deemed suspicious, mainly packages known as "black plastics,” he said, stressing that "the unwarranted possession of susceptible objects (nuts, balls, bolts, nails, pieces of iron...) is suspicious."

The ban is part of the authorities' decision to tighten security measures after a homemade bomb exploded on July 2 at the Mokolo market in Yaoundé's second district, injuring four people. It aims to ensure the safety of people and property in busy places. As a reminder, authorities have already issued a ban on the use of bags and packages in Yaoundé’s drinking establishments and restaurants. This ban has been in effect since November 9, 2020. Yaoundé has experienced a series of improvised explosive device (IED) attacks that left many people injured in 2020. A situation that prompted local authorities to announce a strengthening of security in the capital, including searches of cabs and passengers and increased cordon-and-search operations.

P.N.N