Cameroon: Separatists abduct 15 university students in Buea March 20

Event

Suspected separatist militants abducted 15 university students in Buea (Southwest region) on Wednesday, March 20. As of Thursday, March 21, the assailants' identity and the location of the victims remain unknown. Further such incidents are possible in the near term.

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.