In an unprecedented initiative aimed at stemming the rise in insecurity, the Cameroonian authorities have decided to take the bull by the horns. The prefect of the Wouri department, Sylyac Marie Mvogo, announced this Wednesday October 9, 2024 the establishment of a reinforced security system in the economic capital of the country. This bold decision is already causing strong reactions among the Douala population.
An unprecedented security network for Douala
Faced with an increase in acts of delinquency and crime, the authorities have opted for a muscular approach. The action plan provides for the installation of fixed mixed control posts, combining gendarmerie and police forces. These strategic checkpoints will be disseminated in areas deemed to be at risk, thus covering the main criminogenic hotspots, places of distraction and high traffic.
According to information collected by 237online.com, no less than 18 checkpoints will be deployed across the city. Among the targeted hotspots, we find emblematic places such as Shell New Bell, the Flower Market, and the Ndokoti crossroads. This careful mapping of sensitive areas demonstrates a desire to effectively grid the urban territory.
Clear missions for reinforced security
The objectives assigned to these new checkpoints are multiple and ambitious. Beyond the simple dissuasive presence, the police will have the mission of:
- Carry out the systematic identification and filtering of individuals
- Conduct thorough searches of suspicious vehicles
- Actively combat adulterated fuel trafficking and smuggling
- Stemming the circulation of psychotropic and hallucinogenic substances
This comprehensive approach aims to tackle the very roots of insecurity, targeting not only criminal acts, but also the illicit activities that fuel them.
A considerable impact on the daily lives of Doualais
The implementation of this new security system will not fail to have significant repercussions on the daily life of the inhabitants of Douala. While some see it as a necessary measure to regain peace of mind, others are concerned about potential obstacles to free movement.
Amadou Nkodo, taxi driver met at the Ndokoti crossroads, shares his point of view: “It’s sure that it will slow down the traffic, but if it can get rid of the bandits, I’m for it. We are tired of working with fear in our stomachs. »
For her part, Marie Essomba, a trader at the central market, expresses her reservations: “I hope that these controls will not turn into organized racketeering. We know the song with certain unscrupulous agents. »
A full-scale test for urban security in Cameroon
This bold initiative in Douala could well serve as a model for other major Cameroonian cities facing similar security challenges. The success or failure of this operation will be closely scrutinized, both by the authorities and the population.
Prefect Sylyac Marie Mvogo wants to be reassuring: “We have put in place strict control mechanisms to avoid any slippage. The objective is to restore a climate of security conducive to the economic development of our beautiful city. »
It remains to be seen whether this muscular approach will succeed in reconciling security imperatives with individual freedoms, a delicate but crucial balance for the future of Douala and Cameroon as a whole.