Cameroon: Government ban on firearms in six regions from April 5

Event

On Thursday, April 5, Cameroonian authorities announced an indefinite ban on the sale of firearms (both locally-made and imported) and ammunition. The ban is in effect in six out of ten regions throughout the country, notably the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions, as well as Adamaoua (located on the border with the Central African Republic), Central, Littoral, and West. The ban was enacted in response to increased tensions and the presence of armed groups.

The authorities has ordered gun shops in the six concerned regions to close, owners of unauthorized weapons to turn them over to local authorities, and authorized owners of weapons to register them.

Context

Tensions between the English-speaking community and the national authorities in the Northwest and Southwest regions remain high following a wave of violence in recent weeks and months. Simmering resentment dating back to the period of independence has resurfaced within the minority English-speaking community in recent years. The period since November 2016 has been marked by the closure of all English-speaking schools, strikes, unrest, and sporadic violence. Tensions between English- and French-speaking communities have escalated considerably since October 2017, when secessionists unilaterally proclaimed independence in the region. Anglophone separatists have launched numerous attacks against Cameroonian security forces over the past 18 months, killing at least 28 soldiers, and an increased military presence has been established in the two regions. Local authorities in the both regions had already banned the sale of arms in November 2017 and February 2018.

Advice

Individuals in Cameroon are advised to closely monitor the situation, adhere to advice issued by local authorities and their home governments, and avoid protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence.

On a separate note, some Western governments advise 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.