Cameroon: Curfew imposed in Northwest and Southwest regions

Event

On Saturday, May 19, security officials imposed a nightly curfew in the Northwest and Southwest regions. Local officials have stated that the measures have been implemented due to persisting waves of violence attributed to separatist militants. 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

Individuals in these regions are advised to closely monitor the situation, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence.

On a separate note, some Western governments advise 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.