Cameroon: Public hospital doctor strike canceled /update 1

Event

The SYMEC union (Syndicat des médecins du Cameroun) has called off a nationwide strike by public hospital doctors that was set to begin on Monday, June 12. The cancelation comes amid ongoing negotiations between union leaders and the government. However, if negotiations are not successful, further strikes may be called for.

Context

Doctors had intended to hold the strike to demand better working conditions and higher pay. In April, doctors in Yaoundé launched a 48-hour strike with the same demands.

The country is currently facing a sociopolitical crisis, which has resulted in generalized domestic turmoil, with many strikes and demonstrations held throughout the country over the past several months.

Advice

Individuals present in Cameroon are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all protests due to the potential for violence.

Some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the Far North region as well as areas bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic; travel to these areas should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.