Cameroon: Security forces kill 23 separatist militants on October 18-19 /update 1

Event

According to a Cameroonian military spokesperson, at least 23 separatist militants were killed during two operations in Northwest region on Thursday, October 18 and Friday, October 19. Reports indicate that 17 of the militants were killed, and two others captured, during an operation in Ngo-Ketundja department, while five others were neutralized in Moudoum. During the operations, Cameroonian forces reportedly seized weapons and ammunition. Clashes between separatists militants and security forces have become increasingly violent in recent months and the 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 Northwest and Southwest regions remain high. The period since November 2016 has been marked by the closure of English-speaking schools, strikes, unrest, and sporadic 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

Due to ongoing sociopolitical violence, 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.