Cameroon: Security forces target Anglophone separatists in Northwest region July 19

Event

A security official in Santa (Northwest region) on Sunday, July 19, announced that security forces had conducted a week-long operation in Cameroon's Anglophone Northwest region which resulted in at least 15 armed Anglophone separatists killed, including a general, and another general detained over the weekend. According to media sources, approximately 450 security personnel led the operation in the vicinity of the Alateneng, Awing, Baba II, Mantum, Pinyin, Bamendakwe, and Bawock localities. Weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other materials were seized by security forces amid the operation. Further security operations are likely to be staged 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.