Cameroon: Security forces clash with separatists in Southwest region Feb. 4-5

Event

Fighting is ongoing between Anglophone separatists and security forces in Southwest region. On Monday, February 4, around 50 suspected militants reportedly assaulted the Limbe II subdivision in Limbe, killing one soldier and burning his car. Several residents were also abducted but later released by the gunmen. The following day, on Tuesday, February 5, security officials reported that a separatist leader was killed during an operation in Makanga (Muyuka-Fako division). According to the authorities, the leader was shot and killed when soldiers were engaging militants in the town. Further security operations and associated clashes between security forces and separatists are possible in Northwest and Southwest regions over 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 regions.

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.