Cameroon: Three gendarmes killed by separatists in Northwest region December 12

Event

Three Cameroonian gendarmes were killed and three others injured in an ambush by suspected separatist fighters in Widikum (Northwest region) on Thursday, December 12. The assailants reportedly attacked the gendarmes as they were patrolling the town. 

Similar attacks are likely in Northwest region 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 been common since November 2016 and have escalated since October 2017.

Advice

Individuals in Northwest region are advised to closely monitor the situation, follow all instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. particularly curfews), and avoid protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence.