The Cameroonian government announced on Saturday that working and school hours will be curtailed in order to increase the number of people who will watch the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the Central African country is hosting this year.

“During the days of AFCON matches, schools and lectures will go from 7:30am to 1:00pm. Work will be from 7:30am to 2:00pm. This exceptional measure which will effectively apply to the public sector aims at enabling Cameroonians to take an active part in this major continental event,” Seraphin Magloire Fouda, secretary general at the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement.

Magloire stated that the measure will be effective from January 7 to February 4.

Attendance at the AFCON matches played so far has been poor, particularly in the cities of Douala, Bafoussam, and Limbe, where certain matches are being played.

The administrations announced on Friday that they will provide a free bus shuttle service to and from the stadiums for fans.

According to some sports journalists, the low attendance is due to the Covid-19 restriction measures that require fans to be vaccinated and tested before entering the stadium, as well as security challenges in Limbe, where separatist fighters have threatened to disrupt the championship, which have resulted in low attendance.

The 33rd edition of the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) got underway in Cameroon last week and will conclude on February 6.

Advertisement