By Daniel D.
The Government of Cameroon has implemented stringent measures restricting the travel of certain high-ranking state officials.
The Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele, on February 29, issued a radio message that has just surfaced online, instructing border security personnel to prevent the departure of specific officials unless they have completed due diligence procedures and gained approval from the appropriate authorities.
Among those subjected to the directive are Presidents of Boards of Administration, Director Generals, and Deputy Director Generals.
These officials are required to submit and obtain approval for their due diligence reports before being permitted to leave the country.
While the radio message does not mention the reasons behind this travel restriction, speculation arises that it might be connected to directives from the President of the Republic.
External trips by state officials, including President Paul Biya, cost Cameroon billions of francs CFA yearly.
In his end-of-year speech on December 31, President Biya said that he had instructed the government to curtail recurrent expenditure.
The recent measure restricting travel by senior state officials might be one of the government’s moves to reduce expenditure.