Cameroon: Gunmen kill soldier in Buea (Northwest) February 17

Event

Suspected separatist militants reportedly shot and killed a Cameroonian Army officer in the town of Buea (Northwest region) on Sunday, February 17. Further attacks by separatist militants are possible in Northwest and Southwest regions in the near term.

Context

Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions remains tense due to an ongoing separatist movement and conflict between armed groups and the government. Strikes, unrest, and violence has been common since November 2016 and has escalated since October 2017 following a unilateral proclamation of independence.

Advice

Individuals in Northwest and Southwest regions, and Cameroon more broadly, are advised to take precautions against kidnapping, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, avoid public demonstrations as a precaution, and remain vigilant for militant activity.