Cameroon: Border closure with Central African Republic July 17

Event

Cameroonian authorities announced on Monday, July 17, that the border with the Central African Republic (CAR) would be closed; it is currently unclear whether the closure is comprehensive or localized to certain areas. According to media reports, the government made the decision in response to fears of ongoing violence between Seleka and Anti-Balaka militias. An official from the Ngaoundaye district in CAR reportedly crossed into Cameroon near Touboro in order to escape the violence, and is now under the protection of Cameroonian authorities. The closure appears to only be affecting land borders; no unusual disruptions to air travel have been reported. Expect increased security measures along the border with CAR and potential closures if attempting to cross from one territory to the other.

Context

Religious conflicts have ravaged CAR since December 2013. Bangui especially has been gripped by deadly clashes between the Christian Anti-Balaka and Muslim Popular Front for the Renaissance of the Central African Republic (FPRC) militias. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths, created almost 1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), and pushed more than 500,000 people to seek refuge in the neighboring countries of Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Chad.

Advice

Individuals in Cameroon are advised to monitor the situation and adhere to instructions issued by authorities. Some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the Far North region as well as areas bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic; travel to these areas should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.