The U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, through its Diplomatic Security Service, has donated six clandestine laboratory detection kits to the Cameroon National Gendarmerie. The donation is intended to strengthen Cameroon’s capacity to detect and dismantle illicit laboratories associated with criminal activity.
This equipment handover follows a specialised training programme conducted in November 2024. During that session, Cameroonian gendarmes received instruction on how to identify and respond to potential threats involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The training was led by experts from the United States and focused on practical techniques for assessing and mitigating chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
“This donation reflects the strong and growing partnership between the United States and Cameroon in combating criminal activity and promoting public safety,” said Joseph Love, Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé.
Cameroon Gendarmerie to Deploy Kits in Operational Areas
The Cameroon National Gendarmerie officials have also announced that they will integrate the kits into current operations and use them in regions identified as having concerns about illicit lab activity. The equipment will further support investigations and enhance field detection capabilities.
The donation is part of ongoing security collaboration between the U.S. and Cameroon. It is hoped this will focus on building institutional capacity and addressing transnational threats. Additionally, future initiatives will maintain this focus on training, equipment support, and operational coordination.
This donation comes at a time when fears about US engagement with Cameroon have increased. First, there were concerns about the 60-day ultimatum given to Cameroon to address its security concerns. Then there was the ending of TPS for Cameroonians in the USA. Finally and most recently, there were talks of plans to reduce US diplomatic presence in Cameroon.
