Cameroon: Suspected Boko Haram attack kills seven in Amchide (Far North region) April 6 /update 2

Event

A suspected Boko Haram suicide-bombing attack killed seven civilians in Amchide (Far North region) around 20:00 (local time) on Monday, April 6.

A heightened security presence is to be expected in the region over the coming days as security forces investigate the incident. Similar Boko Haram attacks are possible in Far North region over the near term.

Context

Although regional counterinsurgency efforts begun in 2015 and led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger have diminished Boko Haram's effective territorial control, Amnesty International has expressed concerns about the resurgence of terrorist attacks in the area. Boko Haram's stronghold remains in northeastern Nigeria and the majority of its activities are concentrated in this area. However, the Far North region of Cameroon, especially areas along the Nigerian border, also regularly experiences attacks; the group's presence in Far North region dates back to at least 2011.

Advice

Individuals present in Cameroon are advised to limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (e.g. crowded markets, etc.) and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities. Some Western governments advise against travel to the Far North region, as well as other areas bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic; travel to these areas should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.