Douala: People living in fear of an attack by Boko Haram

Markets in Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon, is ripped with fear as residents are concerned about suicide attacks by Boko Haram which happened in the North in July.

At the central market in Douala, Evelyne carefully observed the faces of customers who approached her stall where she sold spices, condiments and green tomatoes. This shop owner in her fifties, mother of five and grandmother of three, said she feels "exposed". "Boko Haram attacked a daytime market in Maroua. My children tell me to be careful because these people can also attack Douala."

As a precaution, Evelyne now goes home much earlier after her day's work: " latest by 17hrs (5:00pm)." Next to her was Jacqueline Tang who is also concerned about the lack of enforcement.

Since Maroua suicide attacks in the Far North of Cameroon, an issue of concern has been raised by inhabitants of the economic capital like one Celestine Mouanfo. With her purse clutched to her chest, the young woman had difficulty to break free from the crowd while crossing the Ndokoti intersection, a busy place in the suburbs of Douala.