Cameroon: Separatist fighters kill five security personnel in Southwest region June 1

Event

On Monday, June 1, at least five Cameroonian soldiers were killed in an ambush by a group of suspected armed separatist fighters in Otu located in Manyu department (Southwest region). Several other soldiers were wounded in the attack and were reportedly transported to a medical facility via helicopter, due to roadblocks erected by separatists in the area.

Similar attacks targeting security forces and government officials are likely 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 Southwest province are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. 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.