Cameroon: Tensions remain high in Anglophone regions September 24

Event

Tensions remain high in the Northwest and Southwest Anglophone regions as of Tuesday, September 24, following a separatist attack at a hotel in Bamenda (Northwest region) on Friday, September 20. Security forces on Friday repelled an attack by armed separatists on a hotel where government officials were on visit to reiterate calls to end the crisis that has engulfed both regions. The day after, however, one of the separatist movement leaders announced the struggle against the government would continue until further notice.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in the region in the coming days and weeks. Similar attacks are possible over the near term.

Context

Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions remain tense due to an ongoing separatist movement and conflict between armed groups and the government. Strikes, unrest, and related incidents of violence have become common since November 2016 and have escalated since October 2017.

Advice

Individuals in Cameroon are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.