Cameroon addresses illegal occupation of airport grounds

Cameroon is facing a critical security and economic challenge due to the illegal occupation of airport grounds. During a recent cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, officials identified widespread unauthorized settlements at several major airports, including Yaoundé-Nsimalen, Douala, Garoua, Maroua-Salak, and Koutaba.

The Civil Aviation Authority has warned that these persistent encroachments pose significant risks. Key issues include insufficient security fencing and complex land disputes involving questionable land titles. Furthermore, many airport domains are not currently linked to the national geodetic reference network, complicating precise boundary delimitation.

Minister of Land Management, Henri Eyebe Ayissi, emphasized that resolving these issues is essential for Cameroon to comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Minister of Transport Ngalle Bibehe also noted administrative hurdles, such as the obsolescence of certain public utility declarations. An ICAO audit mission is scheduled to visit Cameroon in November, increasing the pressure on government administrations to secure these sensitive zones.