Cameroon: IED blast and gunfire kills three in Bongongo (Southwest region) September 14

Event

The detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) and a subsequent exchange of fire in Bongongo in Ndian division (Southwest region) killed at least three people on Monday, September 14. The blast killed two soldiers as they were moving to the residence of Prime Minister Joseph Ngute, who comes from the area. An exchange of fire broke out between the army and armed militants in the area following the explosion, during which a civilian was also killed in the crossfire and one other was injured.

Security operations are likely in the area in the near term, with an associated risk of further attacks targeting security forces.

Context

Tensions between Cameroon's minority English-speaking community and the national authorities remain high in the Northwest and Southwest regions, where a separatist movement has transformed into a low-level armed insurgency. The situation has deteriorated considerably since September 2017, when secessionists unilaterally proclaimed independence in the region. The United Nations estimates that at least 50,000 Cameroonians have fled the fighting to Nigeria since the beginning of the conflict, with more than 675,000 others believed to have been internally displaced.

Advice

Those in Cameroon's Anglophone region are advised to maintain a heightened level of vigilance due to the high risk of violence between separatists and the government forces. Monitor local media for the latest updates on the security situation and adhere to any directives issued by local authorities or security forces, including curfews.

The security environment in the Northwest and Southwest regions remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. The security environment in the Northwest and Southwest regions remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.