Being present without being overbearing…

Controlling without harassing…

Deterring without using force.

This has now become the guiding principle of our law enforcement forces. It is a new approach to ensuring the safety of people and property that could, without triumphalism or arrogance, be called “sympathetic law enforcement”.

And who better than our compatriots to bear witness to this fact???

There are no unnecessary words, inappropriate gestures or threats from the gendarmes or police officers. The orders and admonitions of the past have been replaced by informative dialogue and raising awareness. Citizens are no longer seen as unwelcome presences to be kept at a distance or scrutinised with suspicion.

Every citizen is entitled to the full respect, privileges and protections guaranteed by law, according to our law enforcement officers. Among these, freedom of movement is particularly important. Consequently, wherever possible, secure passageways should remain open to allow people to move freely and peacefully.

As its name suggests, the public highway must not be ceded to the professionals of riot-making — those who, inspired by countries that are far more advanced in this respect, seek to force our country to descend precipitously down the path to disaster. We must therefore block the path of these agitators.

As part of their statutory mission, our law enforcement and security forces must also ensure that the venues hosting crowds are appropriate for their size. While this measure may appear discriminatory, it is simply aimed at preventing overcrowding and the often severe consequences of poorly controlled crowds.

Areas such as playgrounds, courts and leisure facilities are classified as high-risk environments, requiring preventive and active security measures at various levels, each corresponding to the degree of threat to individuals and property.

Essentially, this approach is not groundbreaking, except for the humanism and flexibility that are gradually replacing disdain and brutality. Suspicious distance has been replaced by courteous proximity. Our courageous citizens are both witnesses to and beneficiaries of this behavioural transformation, which they greatly appreciate. No surprise then, that despite some unrest, Cameroon is and remains a haven of peace!!!