Cameroon: Suicide bombing kills five in Far North Oct. 31

Event

A suspected Boko Haram suicide bombing killed five people and wounded two others in the village of Zamga (Mayo-Tsanaga department, Far North region), around 2 km (1.2 mi) from the Nigerian border, at 19:45 (local time) on Tuesday, October 31. Heightened security measures, and consequent traffic disruptions, are expected in the coming days in response to the attack.

Context

The Far North region of Cameroon, especially areas along the border with Nigeria, regularly experiences attacks attributed to Boko Haram militants. While Boko Haram's main stronghold is in Nigeria, the group has been carrying out attacks in neighboring Cameroon since 2013 and the group's presence in Far North dates back to at least 2011. The Far North is the poorest region in the country and a history of marginalization has resulted in high levels of organized and petty crime - including cross-border smuggling - and associated violence.

Advice

Individuals present in Cameroon are advised to limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (crowded markets, etc.), and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities.

Some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the Far North region as well as other areas bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic; travel to these areas should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.