Cameroon: Deadly clashes in Northwest and Southwest regions August 24-25

Event

Clashes between the Cameroonian military and separatist fighters left at least 40 dead in Northwest and Southwest regions on Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25. The fighting reportedly took place in the towns of Ndop, Bafut, Kumbo, Bamenda, Mamfe, and Kumba. Additionally, eight people were kidnapped. Thousands have reportedly begun to flee the English-speaking regions as of Monday, August 26, due to the recent flare-up in tensions between the military and rebel forces. Additional security personnel have been deployed to the affected areas to clamp down on the violence.

Nevertheless, further fighting is to be expected between the sides in Northwest and Southwest regions over the near term.

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 become 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.