Yaoundé: Military Truck Triggers Irritating Odor on Melen‑Mokolo Road

On Friday afternoon, residents of the Melen and Elig‑Effa neighborhoods in Yaoundé reported a strong, irritating smell spreading along the Melen‑Mokolo axis. The odor caused respiratory discomfort, prompting many passers‑by to cover their noses and avoid the area. Witnesses said a military anti‑riot truck passed the sector around 14:00 and appeared to leak a substance, with several attributing it to tear‑gas or a similar irritant. One local, Loïc Léma, described the air as “irrespirable” and warned it could “give you the flu” or cause respiratory complications. No official statement has confirmed the nature of the leak or the vehicle’s involvement, and authorities have not yet provided an explanation. The incident has raised concern among residents, especially as the route passes schools, homes and commercial sites.