The September 16, 2015 decree implementing the 1997 Law governing activities of private security firms, amended by the December 2014, adds several innovations.

The cacophony that reigned in the private security sector in Cameroon will soon end. The much-awaited presidential decree implementing the September 10, 1997 Law governing activities of private security firms and its subsequent December 23, 2014 decree amending and completing it, ushers in innovations to streamline the sector where eight firms operate with licences alongside 32 firms awaiting licences while 200 operate clandestinely.

Identical Uniform, No Conventional Arms

It was unheard of in Cameroon before September 16, 2015. Personnel of all private security companies are henceforth compelled to wear the same uniform which according to Section 19 of the September 16, 2015 edict, should be bright yellow. This new measure brings a halt to the confusion caused by uniform of some companies were in some cases were similar to those worn by some corps of the forces of Law and Order. Samples of the uniform have to be submitted at the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation (MINATD) for approval. Section 20 (4) introduces another innovation by emphasising that the uniform can only be worn within the confines of the guarded buildings or property except during a mobile security mission. More so, private security firms are not allowed to use conventional weaponry as had been the case in the recent past. Authorised protection and alarm material which are inoffensive arms could only be used within the guarded premises.

No Minister’s Authorisation, No Activity

Going by Section 15 of the implementation text, the MINATD submits complete application files after approval of the Commission in charge of studying files, to the President of the Republic for the issuance of licences. The disapproval of a file by the Commission entails its rejection. Meanwhile, the effective start of security activities requires a supplementary application to that effect to the Minister for an authorisation. Will a firm be given this authorisation before the licence is issued as had been the case in the past? The text is not clear on this.

Social Capital Privileges Cameroonians

Section 12 raises the issue of ownership of private security companies operating in Cameroon. Any moral or physical person wishing to carry out private security activities must create a company under Cameroonian law and the majority of the latter’s capital should be provided by Cameroonian citizens.

5,000-Men Firms, Social Insurance Coverage

The edict also makes it clear in its Section 18 that the enrolment of each legal private security company cannot surpass 5,000 men throughout the national territory. More so, only 1,000 men are allowed per Region. However, by virtue of its activities and upon application to the Minister of Territorial Administration, the enrolment could be increased beyond 5,000 after approval by the Commission. Private security agents are entitled to job contracts while the manager of the security firm is compelled to inform the Territorial Administration Minister of any recruitment or dismissal within 30 days.

George MBELLA