Cameroon: Hundreds protest in front of French Embassy in Yaoundé February 24

Event

Hundreds of people protested in front of the Embassy of France in Yaoundé on Monday, February 24, protesting perceived French interference in domestic affairs and expressing support for security forces' operations in the English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest. The demonstration comes after French President Emmanuel Macron recently issued comments on the human rights situation in the country.

Lingering disruptions to transportation are possible around the French Embassy over the coming hours. Similar protests are possible over the coming days amid a heightened security presence.

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. Tensions have escalated considerably since October 2017, when secessionists unilaterally proclaimed independence in the region. The United Nations reported that at least 50,000 Cameroonians have fled the fighting to Nigeria since the beginning of the conflict in 2016.

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 and their home governments.