This is particularly important in the days, weeks and months ahead, given the upcoming events such as back to school, the ongoing presidential election period and the subsequent end-of-year and New Year celebrations.

This was the main instruction given by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence Beti Assomo Joseph to the officials he commissioned this week to lead the Armed Forces and Gendarmerie Territorial Commands.

Security, particularly the safety of people and property, is a pre-eminent cross-cutting issue. On the one hand, it is a fundamental and inalienable human right and on the other hand, it is a rather delicate and volatile area. We cannot afford to neglect it. Given the popular excitement generated by such events, it is of utmost importance to take action in good time.

The same applies to safety on our transportation means, particularly land and sea routes. All users of these routes, from pedestrians to public works vehicles, motorcycles and other vehicles, and from human-powered canoes to boats of various types and tonnages, should and must operate in a safe and peaceful environment.

Therefore, the strengthening of road safety measures and its related control, particularly that of identity and of equipment compliance used for transporting people and goods, should not be a surprise. The aim is to limit the freedom of movement of individuals who infringe the law for various reasons, while at the same time protecting human health and the economy.

Officials at all levels who are undoubtedly important must now develop appropriate preventive, active, coercive and even repressive measures for immediate implementation, with the sole aim of meeting up with the upcoming deadlines.

So let us boldly say that, the security will be effective through visible and invisible measures in neighbourhoods, markets, on roads and in all public places in towns and in country sides across the entire 475,000 km² surface area of the national territory. There will be no grey areas or any space for social deregulation, be it politically or socio-economically.

However, this mobilization of law enforcement forces to ensure our safety will only be effective if each and every one of us shows civic-mindedness and common sense by taking a few simple steps. These include : having a valid identification document, reporting any suspicious activity, being cautious on the road and its environs, wearing seatbelts, avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, complying with speed limits and wearing life jackets. These are simple actions, as we said, but that save many lives.

For the sake of peace and security in our country,

For the sake of peace and security in our continent,

Let us remain vigilant. /-