Cameroon: Further unrest likely in Northwest and Southwest regions /update 1

Event

A number of demonstrations, some of which turned violent, were reported in Bamenda, Buea, Limbe, and other locations in the Northwest and Southwest regions on September 22. Further protests are likely over the next few weeks. The unrest has prompted the US Embassy in Yaoundé to advise its citizens and embassy staff to defer all nonessential travel to the regions.

Authorities plan to increase the number of security personnel in the coming weeks to respond to concerns of mounting insecurity.

Context

Authorities imposed a 24-hour ban on movements that ended at 11:59 (local time) on Friday, September 22, within Northwest region. While the official reasoning for the curfew has not been provided, it comes a day after an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Bamenda that was attributed to the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNC), an Anglophone separatist group. Authorities have now classified the SCNC as a terrorist group. Furthermore, all demonstrations in Mezam prefecture (including Bamenda) have been banned from September 21 to October 3.

Tensions between English- and French-speaking communities have risen considerably in recent months in Cameroon. English-speaking lawyers and teachers supported by Anglophone protesters have carried out a number of demonstrations that have paralyzed the Northwest and Southwest regions since November 2016; schools have been closed in the English-speaking regions since that date. In mid-August, six English-speaking schools were set on fire. In addition, several explosions occurred in Bamenda on September. Security forces have brutally cracked down on rallies, killing and arresting hundreds. President Paul Biya has announced reforms that favor Anglophone representation in government and education, but has stated that he will not engage in dialogue that threatens national unity.

Advice

Individuals in Cameroon are advised to monitor the situation, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities or their home governments (including travel restrictions), and avoid any large gatherings.