16 Jan 2019 | 07:55 PM UTC
Cameroon: Mass kidnapping reported in Southwest region Jan. 15
Suspected militants kidnap at least 36 people from two passenger buses in Southwest region on January 15
Event
Suspected militants reportedly kidnapped at least 36 people from two passenger buses in Southwest region on Tuesday, January 15. According to local sources, gunmen stopped the two buses on the Buea-Kumba road near the village of Ediki. As of Wednesday, January 16, the whereabouts of the victims remain unknown. Further such attacks are possible 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 monitor the situation, follow all instructions issued by the local authorities, and avoid protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence.
