Yaounde, Cameroon – (African Boulevard News) – Cameroon was struck by tragedy yesterday as at least three people were killed in an attack believed to have been carried out by separatist rebels in the country’s troubled Anglophone regions. Witnesses reported that armed militants ambushed cars, opened fire at passengers, and even went so far as to set vehicles ablaze in a horrifying display of violence.
The attack took place early on Thursday along the road that connects the towns of Kumba and Buea in the Southwest region, an area deeply affected by the ongoing Anglophone crisis. This region has been plagued by unrest since 2016, with separatists demanding independence from the majority French-speaking Cameroon.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and fear. “I was traveling in a bus when suddenly armed men emerged from the bushes,” recalled one survivor. “They started shooting at us without warning. People were screaming, trying to hide, and begging for their lives.”
According to local authorities, the assailants also set several vehicles on fire, leaving behind a trail of destruction and panic. The exact number of casualties is still being determined, as injured victims are being treated at nearby hospitals.
Cameroon’s government has blamed separatist rebels for the attack. While no group has claimed responsibility thus far, the incident is reminiscent of past attacks carried out by armed secessionist factions in the Anglophone regions. These rebels have frequently targeted security forces, government officials, and civilians they perceive to be collaborating with the government.
The ongoing separatist conflict has caused immense suffering for the people of Cameroon’s Anglophone regions, with both sides accused of committing human rights abuses. The United Nations estimates that over 3,000 people have been killed and more than 700,000 internally displaced since the crisis began.
International human rights organizations have condemned the violence and called for an end to the conflict. Amnesty International, in a statement, called on all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians.
As the situation in the Anglophone regions continues to deteriorate, urgent action is needed to bring about a peaceful resolution. The government of Cameroon must prioritize dialogue and engage with all stakeholders to address the legitimate grievances of the Anglophone population.
The international community also has a responsibility to support efforts to end the crisis and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected. Cameroon’s neighboring countries and regional bodies, such as the African Union and the Economic Community of Central African States, should work together to find a lasting solution that ensures peace and stability in the region.
Until a comprehensive resolution is reached, the people of Cameroon’s Anglophone regions will continue to live in fear, and more lives will be lost to the senseless violence perpetrated by all sides of this conflict. It is time for all parties involved to lay down their weapons and embrace peace for the sake of the Cameroonian people.
