Yaoundé residents sleep soundly as surveillance cameras keep watch

In Cameroon, especially in its political capital Yaoundé, surveillance cameras have become a powerful tool for deterring crime, protecting property and people, and easing traffic congestion.

Since their installation in key areas of the city, residents have noted a significant drop in insecurity. A resident of the Madagascar neighbourhood explained: “In our area, we used to live in fear of armed robberies. Criminals would strike at any time, looting shops, banks, and bakeries before escaping without consequence. But since the cameras were set up, these bandits have become rare. I thank the authorities for this.”

The cameras across Yaoundé are operated from the National Video Surveillance Command Centre located in the Etoudi district.

Given their effectiveness in reducing crime, President Paul Biya signed a decree on 17 December 2025 authorising the Minister of Economy, Alamine Ousmane Mey, to secure a new loan of 39.2 billion CFA francs. This funding is intended for “additional financing of the project to extend the intelligent urban video surveillance system nationwide.”

With this latest injection, the government is preparing to take out a fourth credit for the project from three Chinese lenders, bringing the total amount mobilised over eight years to 150.8 billion CFA francs.

According to officials, the first phase of the project installed 1,500 surveillance cameras in several Cameroonian cities. This network was supplemented by 2,000 portable transceivers designed to enhance police monitoring and response capabilities.

Beyond urban centres and sensitive border areas, surveillance cameras are increasingly being installed in private homes. “Before I installed this system, I was regularly burgled. Now I am completely satisfied. Any bandit who dares approach is immediately spotted, and justice catches up with them,” said a homeowner who invested in the technology.

The average cost of a surveillance camera is around 15,000 CFA francs, depending on the model. They can be placed not only in homes and on public roads but also in plantations, cars, and even schools to ensure everyone’s safety.

This technology allows users to monitor their property remotely via mobile phones, television screens, and other platforms.