Separatists enforce weeklong lockdown in Cameroon's Anglophone regions

Armed separatists are enforcing a weeklong lockdown in Cameroon's English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions, disrupting the new school year and causing widespread fear. Residents report deserted streets and closed shops, while security forces have been deployed to maintain patrols. The regions have seen ongoing conflict since 2017, with frequent kidnappings and clashes reported. Conflict since 2017 has led to kidnappings and clashes in the regions. Additional troops deployed for day and night patrols in affected areas. Yaounde, Sep 8 Armed separatists are enforcing a weeklong lockdown in Cameroon's conflict-hit English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions, leading to renewed clashes, residents and security sources said. "We heard gunshots. People are really afraid. The streets are deserted. Shops are closed, and almost all activities have stopped. - Anonymous resident" Separatist leaders announced on social media that the lockdown, which began on Monday, aims to disrupt the start of the new school year, Xinhua News Agency reported. In Bamenda, the capital of the Northwest Region, residents described a tense atmosphere, with schools closed and movement severely restricted. "We heard gunshots. People are really afraid. The streets are deserted. Shops are closed, and almost all activities have stopped," a resident, who requested anonymity, told Xinhua by phone. In a video posted online on Sunday, armed separatist fighters threatened to "kill anyone who attempts to step out" during the lockdown period. Security officials said additional troops had been deployed to both regions to conduct day and night patrols. On Sunday, regional authorities assured residents that security had been tightened and urged them to continue their daily activities. The Northwest and Southwest regions have seen armed conflict since 2017, when separatists began fighting government forces to establish an independent state. In July, seven passengers were kidnapped in Cameroon's Northwest region. The passengers were travelling from the town of Bafoussam, the capital of the West region, to Bamenda, the capital of the Northwest, when armed men intercepted their vehicle. Family members told local media the abductors are demanding a ransom for their release. Ransom kidnappings are common in the English-speaking Northwest, where separatists have clashed with government forces in a push for independence. Police say travellers are frequently targeted by gunmen suspected to be separatist fighters. In June, about 12 people, including 10 passengers on a bus, were kidnapped by suspected separatist fighters in Cameroon's Northwest Region, where an armed separatist conflict is ongoing, according to locals and security sources. The bus left the locality of Ndop and was heading to Bamenda, the region's chief town, when it was intercepted by gunmen. — IANS