Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Joseph Essama
Published on 2024-03-07 19:20:11
During take-off and landing, many airport users see their luggage stolen or tampered with. This situation has been going on for years and damages the image of our airports.
Last week, 15 kg of cocaine with an estimated value of 1 million dollars (approximately 600,000,000 CFA francs) destined for Sri Lanka via Turkish Airlines was seized by the customs commercial subdivision at Douala airport. According to Cameroonian customs, “this cargo was hidden in boxes and bottles of cosmetic products contained in eight boxes weighing a gross weight of 130 kg.” While this record drug seizure was praised, it seems to be just the tip of the iceberg. Behind this customs vigilance lies a lack of attention when it comes to passengers’ luggage.
Commenting on a post on social media, Cyrille Bojiko, CEO of Balafon Media, recounts: “This is serious! On January 26, we returned from the AFCON via Asky and upon arriving at our Balafon offices, we realized that a suitcase had been tampered with and a microphone and its device were missing. We thought it could only happen during the stopover in Togo, not here.”
Like him, others share their experiences. “I handed over my suitcases to be protected with more secure packaging. I traveled normally and upon arrival, I realized that several things had been taken from my suitcase. I couldn’t blame the people in Brussels where I had collected my luggage a few minutes after landing. Considering that several people had already reported being robbed at Yaoundé airport, I concluded that my luggage was stolen there.”
This deplorable situation has been ongoing for years and has never been able to find a solution with the authorities.
On the side of the Airport Management Company (ADC), they defend themselves. “Security and safety issues are managed by the police, gendarmerie, army, and even a specialized customs unit.” However, this does not deter the bad apples who leave a bitter taste in the mouths of many passengers, as explained by the head of communication at ADC.
As long as this situation persists, it continues to tarnish Cameroon’s image among foreigners. Let us not forget that the airport is a showcase of Cameroon.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
