The United States Embassy in Cameroon condemns the recent violence against civilians in the North West and South West regions.

In a press release issued on September 3, 2024, the United States of America, through its embassy in Cameroon, condemned “all forms of violence against civilians”. In the same document, the Americans expressed their concern about this new development in the ongoing crisis. “We are deeply concerned, as we have been throughout the crisis, by recent incidents and threats in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. 

On Monday September 2, armed men killed a motorcyclist and set fire to his motorcycle and a taxi in the town of Buea in the South West region.  The violence was allegedly in retaliation for the violation of the ghost town policy adopted every Monday.

The attack came a week before the start of the new school year on September 09. This has raised fears of violence against members of the education community in a context where separatists have banned the opening of schools in crisis areas. The US Embassy points out that education is a fundamental right of the child. “Schools are sanctuaries for learning and children should not be prevented from attending classes.”

In condemning violence and the use of force, the United States reaffirms “the need for peaceful approaches to resolving complex political and security issues”. The political and security crisis in the North West and South West regions is now in its eighth year. The initiatives and actions taken by the State to resolve this crisis peacefully continue to meet with resistance from the other side.