Cameroon: Clashes in Southwest region January 28-29

Event

At least four separatist militants were killed during clashes with government forces in Southwest region overnight from Monday, January 28, to Tuesday, January 29. In addition, one Cameroonian soldier was injured in the firefight. The clashes took place in Manyu department near the Nigerian border, where Cameroonian forces successfully captured military-grade weapons from the separatists during the operation.

Context

Simmering resentment dating back to the period of independence has resurfaced within the minority English-speaking community in Cameroon's Northwest and Southwest regions in recent years. The period since November 2016 has been marked by the closure of all English-speaking schools, strikes, unrest, and sporadic violence. Tensions between English- and French-speaking communities have escalated considerably since October 2017, when secessionists unilaterally proclaimed independence in the region.

Advice

Individuals in Cameroon are advised to closely monitor the situation, adhere to advice issued by local authorities and their home governments, and avoid protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence. Some Western governments advise citizens in or planning travel to Cameroon 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.