Cameroon: Anglophone separatists riot in two prisons July 22-23

Event

Riots broke out in two prisons in Cameroon on Monday, July 22, and continued into Tuesday, July 23, until additional security forces were deployed to restore order. Hundreds of inmates, including Anglophone separatists and political opposition members, clashed with guards and set buildings on fire at the Kondengui prison in Yaoundé. A separate riot reportedly occurred at a prison in Buea (Southwest region). Gunfire was reported at both facilities and several people have been wounded. According to inmates and activists, prisoners are protesting overcrowding and arbitrary trials. Further riots are possible in the near term, along with associated demonstrations by political opposition supporters and activists.

Context

Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions remain tense due to an ongoing separatist movement and conflict between armed groups and the government. Strikes, unrest, and related incidents of violence have been common since November 2016 and have escalated since October 2017.

Advice

Individuals in Cameroon are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.