16 Apr 2018 | 11:22 AM UTC
Cameroon: Hundreds flee violence in Southwest region April 13
Suspected separatists attack several towns in the Southwest region April 13; at least 200 people forced to flee
Event
Suspected separatists launched simultaneous attacks in the Southwest region on Friday, April 13, forcing more than 200 people to flee the area and seek refuge in the Littoral region. According to local media, the attacks took place near the towns of Mundongo and Buea, as well as other localities in the region. One soldier was reportedly killed.
Continued unrest and a heightened security presence are expected in the region in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Tensions between the country's minority English-speaking community and the national authorities in the Northwest and Southwest regions remain high. The period since November 2016 has been marked by the closure of all English-speaking schools, strikes, unrest, and sporadic violence. These tensions have escalated considerably since October 2017, when secessionists unilaterally proclaimed independence in the region.
Advice
Due to ongoing sociopolitical violence, individuals in Southwest and Northwest regions are advised to closely monitor the situation, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities (particularly curfews), and adhere to advice issued by their home government.
