Cameroon: Unidentified gunmen kill business chief in Upper Bayang (Southwest region) May 10

Event

Unidentified gunmen killed the Chief of the Bakebe Telecentre in Upper Bayang (Manyu department; Southwest region) on Sunday, May 10. Investigations have been launched into the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of Tuesday, May 12.

Also on Sunday, separatist militants reportedly shot and killed the Mayor of Mamfe, Ashu Princely Ojong, in an attack on his convoy in Eshobi (Southwest region). The militants also wounded two soldiers in the attack.

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

Advice

Individuals in Southwest region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. 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.