Cameroon’s Crisis Deepens: Violence and Political Tensions Ahead of Elections

Anglophone Crisis Intensifies

The conflict in the Anglophone regions of North West and South West continues unabated, with repeated clashes between separatist groups and the Cameroonian military.

• In the North West Region, separatists targeted state forces: on 4 January, a senior judicial official kidnapped in Bamenda on 29 December was released; on 9 and 13 January, separatist fighters killed soldiers in Belo and Furu Awa, respectively, the latter near the Nigerian border.
• In the South West Region, confrontations included clashes in Big Ngwandi and Mbonge towns (4 and 14 January), resulting in the deaths of three soldiers and two rebels.

Additionally, cross-border violence persisted:

• On 7 January, Nigerian Biafra rebels reportedly clashed with Cameroonian forces in Bakassi town amid efforts to locate a Cameroonian official abducted in October 2024.
• On 2 January, suspected Fulani militia from Nigeria’s Taraba State killed at least five people in Ballin village, Akwaya commune, displacing 1,200 residents. Cameroonian security forces killed four attackers in response.

Notably, Norway extended the detention of Lucas Ayaba Cho, a leader of the Ambazonia Governing Council, by four weeks following his September 2024 arrest.

Jihadist Violence in the Far North

In the Far North region, jihadist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to destabilize communities:

• On 12 January, ISWAP fighters attacked Ngouma military camp, killing three soldiers and injuring four; six attackers were reportedly killed by the army.
• On 17 January, Boko Haram militants kidnapped an imam in Kolofata commune and later executed him after receiving only partial ransom. On 22 January, they burned 50 homes in Djibrili, Mozogo commune.

In addition to jihadist violence, local unrest escalated as rice farmers in Yagoua commune protested the expropriation of farmland (22-24 January), leading to clashes with security forces that left two civilians wounded.

Political and Religious Tensions

Amidst the ongoing violence, President Paul Biya’s potential re-election bid has sparked controversy. While the National Council of Traditional Rulers endorsed Biya as a candidate on 27 January, the Catholic Church has voiced strong opposition:

• Influential clergy, including the Archbishop of Douala, have rejected the possibility of prolonging Biya’s rule, citing mismanagement of the economy and the Anglophone conflict.
• The National Catholic Bishops’ Conference reiterated its criticism of the government on 11 January, intensifying tensions with state officials.
• The government responded on 7 January, urging the clergy to respect state secularism, while ruling party members rallied in defense of Biya.

Outlook for Cameroon

As the October elections approach, Cameroon faces significant challenges. The combination of ongoing armed conflicts, political dissent, and religious criticism underscores the fragility of the nation’s political and social landscape. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Cameroon can move toward stability or face further destabilization.