Cameroon: Violent clashes in Kumba (Southwest) July 11-12

Event

Violent clashes between separatist militants and security forces were reported in Kumba (Southwest region) overnight on July 11-12. According to local sources, many residents fled the city following the fighting. As of Thursday, July 12, it is unclear if the clashes resulted in casualties; nevertheless, a heightened security presence is to be anticipated in the area. Further clashes between separatist militants and security forces are likely in the coming days in Kumba and throughout the Southwest and Northwest regions.

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. The fighting has forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee over the border into Nigeria.

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 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.