05 Mar 2019 | 10:25 AM UTC
Cameroon: Separatists abduct local politician in Bamenda March 1
Suspected separatist militants abduct a local politician in Bamenda (Northwest region) on March 1; further abductions and violence are possible
Event
Suspected separatist militants abducted a local politician in the Travellers neighborhood of Bamenda (Northwest region) on Friday, March 1. The assailants, who accuse him of working for the government, reportedly asked for the paiement of a XAF 25 million ransom (USD 43.170) for his release. As of Tuesday, March 5, the assailants' location remains unknown.
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.
