Cameroon: Soldiers kill seven separatist militants in Northwest region Jan. 12

Event

According to Cameroonian military officials, at least seven separatist militants were killed during a security operation in the village of Alabukam, located 10 km (6 mi) west of Bamenda (Northwest region) on Saturday, January 12. Cameroonian forces reportedly destroyed a militant encampment and seized weapons and ammunition. Further security operations and associated clashes between security forces and militants are possible in Northwest and Southwest regions in the near term.

Context

Tensions between the country's minority English-speaking community and the national authorities are high in the Northwest and Southwest regions amid an ongoing separatist movement. The period since November 2016 has been marked by the closure of English-speaking schools, strikes, unrest, and violence. These tensions have escalated considerably since October 2017, when secessionists unilaterally proclaimed independence in the region.

Advice

Individuals in Northwest and Southwest regions are advised to closely monitor the situation, follow all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. particularly curfews), and avoid protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence.