Cameroon: Security forces repel Anglophone separatist attack in Northwest region July 31

Event

Cameroon Armed Forces repelled an attack by suspected Anglophone separatists in the Northwest region on Friday, July 31, killing three attackers and wounding others. Reportedly, a security forces patrol in Santa was targeted by the gunmen. There have been no reports on casualties on the side of government forces.

Further attacks are likely in the Northwest region in the medium term.

Context

Tensions between Cameroon's minority English-speaking community and the national authorities remain high in the Northwest and Southwest regions, where a separatist movement has transformed into a low-level armed insurgency. The situation has deteriorated considerably since September 2017, when secessionists unilaterally proclaimed independence in the region. The United Nations estimates that at least 50,000 Cameroonians have fled the fighting to Nigeria since the beginning of the conflict, with more than 675,000 others believed to have been internally displaced.

Advice

Those in Cameroon's Anglophone region are advised to maintain a heightened level of vigilance due to the high risk of violence between separatists and the government forces. Monitor local media for the latest updates on the security situation and adhere to any directives issued by local authorities or security forces, including curfews.

The security environment in the Northwest and Southwest regions remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.