The government of Cameroon has launched a major operation to secure the land surrounding five of the country's key airport sites. This operation, which was announced during a Cabinet Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute on September 23, 2026, aims to put an end to the encroachment of unauthorized structures on airport premises. A communiqué released at the end of the meeting stated that the operation will be carried out in two phases.
The first phase of the operation involves the official identification of boundaries to re-verify cadastral coordinates, register existing illegal structures, and finalize an official census of occupants within the 19-kilometre airport perimeter. This phase is crucial in making a comprehensive assessment of the situation on the ground. The second phase will involve the construction of secure perimeter walls, the resolution of land-title issues, and the implementation of social support or compensation measures as part of the eviction process.
The operation is a response to the longstanding issue of airport security in Cameroon, which has become a never-ending blame game. Several years ago, mixed commissions were deployed to demarcate areas belonging to the State and identify those who had encroached on the land. However, little progress has been visible on the ground, with no one rendering an account to the taxpayers. The government now appears focused on making these premises safer and more conducive to air transport operations.
For the operation to be successful, coordinated communication between the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of State Property and Land Tenure must be seamless. The participation of the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) and Airports of Cameroon (ADC) is also crucial, as well as the involvement of the forces of law and order. Experience has shown that similar operations have not been particularly successful in the past due to strong resistance from some occupants.
The situation is particularly evident in Douala, where many people have violated administrative orders by encroaching on official airport land reserves. The government needs to place particular emphasis on addressing this issue. The operation will not only focus on removing unauthorized structures but also on preventing buildings from becoming obstacles to aircraft and conducting an accurate census.
The government has disbursed huge sums of money to address the issue, with officials from the Ministry of State Property and Land Tenure and the Ministry of Transport making countless trips to regions hosting these airports. However, the lack of progress has been a source of concern. The current operation aims to bring an end to the cacophony prevailing around the precincts of these airports.
The success of the operation will depend on the government's ability to balance the need for security with the need to provide support to those who will be affected by the eviction process. The implementation of social support or compensation measures will be crucial in this regard. The government must also ensure that the operation is carried out in a transparent and accountable manner.
Key points
- The Cameroon government has initiated a non-negotiable operation to secure the land surrounding five key airport sites.
- The operation will be carried out in two phases, involving the identification of boundaries and the construction of secure perimeter walls.
- The success of the operation will depend on coordinated communication between relevant ministries and the involvement of law enforcement agencies.
