Cameroon: Clashes in Kumbo (Northwest region) September 4

Event

According to media reports, clashes between police forces and residents of the city of Kumbo (Northwest region) occurred on Monday, September 4. According to local authorities, the violence was linked to a counter-narcotics operation. However, according to local witnesses, police forces came to steal money and goats, which prompted the clashes.  At least two people were reportedly killed and several others injured. Tension remains high throughout the city and related protests cannot be ruled out in the coming days.

Context

Residents of Anglophone regions of Cameroon (Southwest and Northwest regions) are currently holding a general strike, with all shops, banks, markets, schools, and oil stations reportedly closed, and an increased security presence deployed in the regions.  Protesters are denouncing what they consider to be the marginalization of the Anglophone community - e.g. the use of French in courts and public schools in English-speaking areas - and are demanding that judges and teachers in Anglophone regions be able to read, write, and understand English. English-speaking lawyers and teachers supported by Anglophone protesters have carried out a number of demonstrations that have paralyzed the Northwest and Southwest regions since November 2016; schools have been closed in the English-speaking regions since that date. Security forces have brutally cracked down on theses rallies, arresting hundreds and sometimes resulting in fatalities. President Biya has announced reforms that favor Anglophone representation in government and education, but has stated that he will not engage in dialogue that threatens national unity.

Advice

Individuals in the abovementioned regions are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all public gatherings.