Cameroon: Deadly clashes in Northwest May 25

Event

Violent clashes broke out between security forces and suspected separatist militants in the town of Menka (Northwest region) on the early hours (local time) of Friday, May 25. Although security officials have announced that 22 people were killed, local humanitarian organizations have reportedly counted at least 34 bodies. According to local sources, the fighting broke out after the Cameroonian military encircled and attacked a hotel in Menka. Further clashes are possible in the coming days.

Context

Tensions between the country's minority English-speaking community and the national authorities in the Northwest and Southwest regions remain high. The period since November 2016 has been marked by the closure of all English-speaking schools, strikes, unrest, and sporadic violence. These tensions have escalated considerably since October 2017, when secessionists unilaterally proclaimed independence in the region.

Advice

Individuals in Cameroon are advised to remain vigilant, report all suspicious objects and behavior, and follow all instructions issued by local authorities.

On a separate note, due to the high threat of terrorism, some Western governments advise citizens in or planning travel to Cameroon 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.