02 Oct 2017 | 07:22 AM UTC
Cameroon: Protests planned in Southwest region October 1
Anglophone groups call for protests on October 1 amid security crackdown in Southwest region; clashes likely between demonstrators and security forces
Event
Radical Anglophone groups are calling for protests across the country on Sunday, October 1, amid rising tensions between English- and French-speaking communities. The Southern Cameroons Governing Council and secessionist groups hope the protests will bring greater attention to the perceived marginalization of Anglophone regions by the larger French-speaking regions. Protests will be held on October 1 to commemorate South Cameroons gaining independence from Britain in 1961. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces on Sunday are likely.
In response to rising tensions, authorities in the Anglophone dominated Southwest region announced that all maritime and territorial borders will be closed from 09:00 (local time) on Friday, September 29, through 07:00 on Monday, October 2. In addition, the movement of people and vehicles in the region will be heavily restricted, groups of more than four people will not be allowed to gather in public, and security forces have closed many public places. Additional security forces will also be deployed to the Southwest region.
A curfew has also been in place in the Northwest region between 22:00 (local time) and 05:00 since September 22.
Context
Tensions between English- and French-speaking communities have risen considerably in recent months in Cameroon. 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. In mid-August, six English-speaking schools were set on fire. In addition, several explosions occurred in Bamenda on September. Security forces have brutally cracked down on rallies, killing and arresting hundreds.
Advice
Individuals in Cameroon are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities or their home governments (including travel restrictions), and avoid any protests or large gatherings.
