Cameroon: Soldiers kill 15 suspected militants in clearance operation in Bafut (Northwest province) April 25 – May 1

Event

Cameroonian soldiers conducted security operations in Bafut (Mezam department; Northwest province) from Saturday evening (local time), April 25, through Friday, May 1, killing at least 15 suspected militants. One soldier was reportedly injured during the clearance operations. Reports indicate that a heightened security presence is likely in the area over the near term.

Further security operations are possible over the near term.

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 province 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.