At least two people were left injured after a group of Algerian journalists covering the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) were attacked in Cameroon on Sunday, January 9, 2021, according to local reports in Algerian media.

The attackers stopped the journalists – who are in the city of Douala to cover the football tournament – as they were leaving their hotel, and robbing them of personal possessions and their passports, Algeria’s Al-Khabar reported.

It was however, not clear what weapons were used in the assault and which people were behind this hideous act that seeks to mar the beautify of the AFCON which kicked off yesterday. Prior to the commencements of the tournament, there were concerns over security in Cameroon as some parts of the country are still battling civil unrests.

Statement from CAF

The Communication Department of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Monday, January 10, 2022 issued a statement indicating the football governing body’s awareness of the assault.

“CAF is aware of an alleged incident involving three Algerian journalists in Douala, Cameroon on Sunday night, 09 January 2022. CAF is liaising with local government authorities to understand the details of the incident as this is now a Police investigation.

“We are also reaching out to the three journalists and wish them speedy recovery. For now, we will await a detailed report of what transpired”.
CAF

CAF highlighted in the statement that the safety of each and every individual attending the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations “is a priority for CAF and also our partners, the Cameroon government”.

The confederation noted that details concerning the incident will be communicated as soon as “we get them”.

Before the commencement of the 33^rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon mobilized large numbers of security forces to ensure security. The South-West region is one of the 2 English-speaking territories in the country. Since 2017, the Anglophone regions are torn by a conflict opposing separatists and the army.

Security threats in the South-West region

Among the 6 stadiums that will host the matches of the competition, the stadium of Limbé where group F will play its matches is located in the South-West region.

To ensure no separatist attack threatens the games of Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania and Gambia, which form group F, the military and security forces have been posted to the region.

The move was strategically necessary, according to Agbor Balla, a human rights defender. “Imagine what would happen if a player, a CAF official is killed or kidnapped, it would lead to a diplomatic problem. These are things that the government wants to avoid”, he told reporters.

Bafoussam, Douala, Garoua, Olembe and Yaoundé, the five host cities are all adorned with flags of the different delegations taking part in the competition. Security crews have even been increased in the airport area and along the main roads to allow football lovers to peacefully enjoy of the tournament.

There was massive security at the Olembe Stadium in Cameroon’s capital, Yaounde, which hosted the opening game between Cameroon and Burkina Faso on the opening day of the tournament which ended 2-1 in favor of the host, Cameroon. In the second game, Cape Verde beat 10-man Ethiopia 1-0 to sit second in group A.

The tournament continues today with Senegal taking on Zimbabwe whilst Guinea plays Malawi in group B. In group C, Ghana will face Morocco whilst debutant, Comoros, tests its strength against the Panthers of Gabon.