Jakiri Under Siege: ADF Assault on Government Office Highlights Forgotten Conflict

An amateur video, reportedly shot by the assailants, shows the fighters setting fire to the building and displaying an AK47, allegedly seized from one of the security guards stationed at the office.

The video, which has since circulated widely on social media, captures the moment when one of the fighters ignites a fire through a window, setting one of the office rooms ablaze. The attackers can be heard claiming responsibility for the assault and vowing to destroy the DO’s office. While the extent of the damage is clear, it remains uncertain whether there were any casualties or injuries during the attack.

Jakiri has been one of the focal points of the ongoing conflict between Cameroonian separatists and government forces, a violent struggle that erupted in 2017. The conflict initially began as peaceful protests by the Anglophone population, who took to the streets to demand an end to their perceived marginalization by the central government in Yaoundé. These protests, which included significant participation from Anglophone lawyers and teachers, quickly escalated into a full-blown armed conflict.

In the latest attack, reports indicate that five individuals, referred to as "bulu" by local sources—a term often used pejoratively to describe government security personnel—were killed at the Jakiri gendarmerie brigade. The brigade itself was set on fire, and other security officers reportedly fled, pursued by the ADF fighters.

The incident underscores the volatile security situation in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, where separatist groups have been fighting to establish an independent state called Ambazonia. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, displacement of populations, and widespread destruction of property.

Local sources in Jakiri described the town as one of the hardest-hit areas in the ongoing conflict. The attack on the DO’s office is the latest in a series of violent confrontations that have plagued the region. The security situation remains precarious, with government forces and separatist fighters frequently clashing.

The Cameroonian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack. Meanwhile, the international community continues to call for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Human rights organizations have repeatedly expressed concern over the impact of the conflict on civilians, including reports of human rights abuses by both government forces and separatist fighters.

As the conflict drags on, the prospects for peace appear increasingly bleak. The attack in Jakiri serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions and ongoing hostilities that continue to fuel violence in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions. The need for a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue that addresses the root causes of the conflict is more urgent than ever, as the situation on the ground deteriorates further with each passing day.