Cameroon: Suicide attack in Far North kills three people April 11 /update 4

Event

A suicide bomber detonated his device after being approached by local security forces in the village of Achigachia (Far North region) on Saturday, April 11. According to officials, three people were killed in the blast, including the bomber; another civilian was also wounded. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing, but Boko Haram is suspected of being behind the attack.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in the area over the coming days as security forces investigate the incident. Similar Boko Haram attacks are possible in Far North region over the near term.

Context

Boko Haram was also accused of conducting a double suicide attack that killed seven people in Mayo Sava division of Far North region on April 6.

Although regional counterinsurgency efforts begun in 2015 have diminished Boko Haram's effective territorial control, Amnesty International has expressed concerns about the resurgence of terrorist attacks in the area. Boko Haram's stronghold remains in northeastern Nigeria and the majority of its activities are concentrated in this area. The militant group has maintained a presence in the Far North region dating back to 2011; as such, the region regularly experiences attacks, particularly in areas along the Nigerian border.

Advice

Individuals present in Cameroon are advised to limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (e.g. crowded markets, etc.) and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities. Some Western governments advise against travel to the Far North region, as well as other areas bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic; travel to these areas should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.