Cameroon: Armed separatists kidnap three government officials in Boyo (Northwest Province) April 25

Event

Three government officials were reportedly kidnapped at night (local time) in Boyo (Northwest Province) on Friday, April 25. According to security sources, a court registrar of Boyo High Court, an official from Elections Cameroon (Elecam), and a municipal councilor from the Cameroon's People Democratic Movement (CPDM) were abducted by gunmen. Local police stated that search and rescue operations are currently ongoing. Armed separatists have intensified attacks on officials who participated in the legislative and municipal elections on Sunday, February 9, citing that officials have ignored their orders to boycott the elections.

Context

Tensions between the country's minority English-speaking community and the national authorities are high in the Northwest and Southwest regions amid an ongoing separatist movement. Tensions have escalated considerably since October 2017, when secessionists unilaterally proclaimed independence in the region. The United Nations reported that at least 50,000 Cameroonians have fled the fighting to Nigeria since the beginning of the conflict in 2016.

Advice

Individuals in the Northwest region are advised to monitor the situation, follow all instructions issued by local authorities, and avoid protests or large gatherings due to the risk of violence.