Cameroon: Several attacks in Southwest region April 20

Event

Suspected separatist militants launched three attacks in the Southwest region on Friday, April 20. A Cameroonian army vehicle hit a landmine in the town of Eyumedjock, killing two soldiers and injuring four others. Furthermore, the convoy of the governor was attacked, first when he was heading to the village of Lewoh and again when he was leaving the village. Security forces managed to repel the assailants; however, at least one person was killed and one other injured. Continued unrest and a heightened security presence is 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.