Cameroon: Gunmen release abducted students in Northwest region Feb. 17 /update 1

Event

Unidentified gunmen reportedly released 170 students, their teacher and two security agents, on Sunday, February 17. Reports indicated the group was kidnapped by gunmen on Saturday morning (local time), February 16, from Saint Augustine college in Kumbo (Northwest region). No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though separatist groups have previously demanded the closure of all schools.

Context

Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions remains tense due to an ongoing separatist movement and conflict between armed groups and the government. Strikes, unrest, and violence has been common since November 2016 and has escalated since October 2017 following a unilateral proclamation of independence.

Advice

Individuals in Northwest and Southwest regions, and Cameroon more broadly, are advised to take precautions against kidnapping, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, avoid public demonstrations as a precaution, and remain vigilant for militant activity.