06 Jun 2017 | 02:07 AM UTC
Cameroon: Soldiers protest in Far North region June 4
Around 50 soldiers block national roads in protest in the Far North region on June 4; additional demonstrations may occur
Event
Security officials said that around 50 soldiers protested in the Far North region on Sunday, June 4. The soldiers blocked National Route 1 near Maroua until army generals held talks with the soldiers. Following the discussions, the demonstrators agreed to return to their barracks. Additional protests may occur in the coming weeks.
Context
The soldiers are demanding two years’ worth of salaries and expenses that they claim the government has yet to pay. According to military sources, the soldiers are from the air force and are part of the Multi-national Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which operates against Boko Haram in the region.
The Far North region of Cameroon, especially along the border with Nigeria, regularly experiences significant violence attributed to Islamist Boko Haram militants. While Boko Haram's main stronghold is in Nigeria, the group has been carrying out attacks in Cameroon since 2013.
Advice
Individuals in Cameroon are advised to monitor the situation and to avoid all protests. Some Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the Far North region as well as areas bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic; travel to these areas should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.
