Cameroon: Clashes in Ndu (Northwest region) October 23; 17 killed

Event

According to military sources, at least 17 people, including two police officers, were killed in Ndu (Northwest region) on Tuesday, October 23, in clashes between security forces and separatist militants. At least eight hostages were freed and weapons seized following the incident.

Such clashes have become increasingly violent in recent months and fighting is expected to continue in the near-term.

Context

Tensions between the country's minority English-speaking community and the national authorities in the Anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions remain high amid an ongoing separatist movement. The period since November 2016 has been marked by the closure of English-speaking schools, strikes, unrest, and violence. These tensions have escalated considerably since October 2017, when secessionists unilaterally proclaimed independence in the region. The fighting has forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee over the border into Nigeria.

Advice

Individuals in Northwest and Southwest regions are advised to closely monitor the situation, follow all instructions issued by the local authorities (particularly curfews), 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 (CAR); travel to these areas should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.