Cameroon: 43 separatist militants killed in Northwest Nov. 22

Event

According to a Cameroonian military spokesperson, at least 43 separatist militants were killed during a military operation in the village of Bali (Northwest region) on Thursday, November 22. At least three camps were destroyed and weapons and ammunition seized. Many separatists are reportedly on the run.

Clashes between separatists and security forces have become increasingly violent in recent months in the region and fighting is expected to continue in the near term.

Context

Tensions between the country's minority English-speaking community and the national authorities are high in the Northwest and Southwest regions 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 killed at least 400 civilians, 165 security forces, and 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 (e.g. particularly curfews), and avoid protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence.