In Yaounde, trading in military outfits has become a source of income to many.

Military uniforms are generally meant for members of the corps and other paramilitary outfits. They are intended for identification, ceremonial displays and are typically a sign of the organised nature of the military. But today, the military uniform is considered as part of normal wear or fashion in most societies, especially Cameroon.

In Yaounde, it is commonplace to find civilians dressed in military fatigues. They are sold in different sizes in markets and shops in the city centre. Some people, especially the youths, prefer to dress in military outfit for public outings.

The problem with this new form of dressing is that it becomes difficult to identify who is a true military person or not. In the city’s markets, imported or locally-produced imitations are openly displayed at shop entrances to attract customers. A good quantity is also sold by street hawkers. Jimmy Solo, a trader in Yaounde, said the military outfits sold in local markets are mostly imported from Asia.

According to him, the items include shorts, T-shirts, trousers, shoes and boots. Military service caps and jackets are however difficult to find. He explained that formerly, Cameroon military regalia were openly sold in markets before it was banned by military authorities. “When we attempt to sell Cameroonian military uniforms, soldiers come and seize them. So, we prefer to sell uniforms from other countries,” Solo explained. The price of a pair of shorts ranges from FCFA 5,000 to FCFA 7,500.

Another trader who asked for anonymity said he sells military shoes and boots. He said a pair of quality army boots costs FCFA 25,000 while the counterfeit goes for FCA 17,000. He said apart from civilians, military men and women to his shop to buy his goods. He explained that the business did well in the past, but sales have dropped in the past few months. This, according to him, is because of the poor economic situation in the country.