Cameroon: At least three killed in separatist attack in Southwest region December 25

Event

At least three people were reportedly killed, and several others injured, in Ekombe-Bonji, Meme Division (Southwest region), on Wednesday, December 25, following crossfire between suspected separatist militants and security forces. Other similar clashes were reported in Babessi and Kumbo in the Northwestern region, with no casualties. Similar attacks are likely in the English-speaking regions in the near term.

Context

Cameroon's English-speaking 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 non-essential travel to the Southwest and Northwest regions, avoid all protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.