Cameroon: Suicide bombing in Ouro-Kessoum kills eight August 5

Event

A suicide bomb attack in Ouro-Kessoum (Far North) killed eight people and wounded four others according to a statement by local officials on Sunday, August 6. The attack was part of a surge of jihadist violence in the past week, and is in a village where Boko Haram members frequently carry out attacks, although no individual or group have claimed responsibility for the incident.

An investigation into the attack is underway, further attacks are possible in the coming weeks.

Context

The Far North region of Cameroon, especially areas along the border with Nigeria, regularly experiences significant violence attributed to 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 present in Cameroon are advised to avoid recent bomb sites, limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (crowded markets, etc.), and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities. Some Western governments advise their citizens 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.