Cameroon Calcuates its Losses Following Recent Troubles

As life returns to normal in Cameroon, the country is counting the financial and human costs of the wave of violence and destruction which spread through the country from 25-29 February 2008.

Although the conflict was at its worst in Douala, public building, shops, petrol stations and car sales rooms were sacked and/or torched in most of Cameroon’s towns and the country’s economic activity came to a complete standstill with direct losses for this alone estimated at Euros 24.4 million.

No precise figures for the losses resulting from the damage to property and/or loss of business are available as yet.

Furthermore, the port of Douala’s port estimates its losses at over Euros 38 million. Several ships were immobilised at berth during the troubles and the port’s Customs authorities estimate their drop in revenue at over Euros 9 million.

Figures for loss of life vary considerably. Jean-Pierre Biyiti Bi Essam, the Minister of Communication, announces an official figure of 24 deaths while the local association representing the International Federation for Human Rights (the “Maison des Droits de l’Homme) claims that “over 100” people died as a result of the riots.

The number of people arrested is said to be in the region of 1500, of whom one hundred have been sentenced to prison under the procedures applicable to criminals caught in the act.

To make matters worse, it is feared that the recent troubles will have a negative effect on foreign investment, thus impoverishing the country and its people even further.

14 Mar 2008 - 15:42:40