Cameroon: Suicide attack kills at least seven in Goldavi (Far North region) September 2

Event

A suspected Boko Haram militant detonated a suicide vest and killed at least seven civilians and wounded at least 14 others in the village of Goldavi (Far North region) on Tuesday, September 1. The village hosts a camp for some 18,000 internally displaced people. The UN has stated that the region has seen a significant rise in Boko Haram militant activity in recent months, including looting and kidnapping. 

A heightened security presence in the area is likely in the near term, and further attacks in the Far North cannot be ruled out.

Context

Although regional counterinsurgency efforts began 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 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.