According to the regional governor, armed assailants opened fire on a popular intersection in the city of Bamenda in the unrest-ridden northwest of Cameroon, killing 10 people and injuring two more.
North West region governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique told newsmen a manhunt had been launched for the assailants behind the massacre. “Investigations are on, and we will issue a statement on this later today (Monday),” he added.
According to a witness, the assailants arrived in vehicles late on Sunday, ordered everyone to get on the ground, accused them of not supporting local separatists, and then started shooting as some did as instructed and others fled.
The largest separatist organisation in the English-speaking region, the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF), which has been fighting since 2017 to oppose what they claim is government marginalisation of the French-speaking majority, denied culpability.
Around 7:30 pm local time according to the witness, individuals dressed in military uniforms drove up in two vehicles and began to storm Nacho Junction, which is home to a variety of eateries, bars, and stores.
The witness claimed that they fired randomly at persons before fleeing.
“There is the possibility that it could be revenge killing,” ADF spokesperson Lucas Asu said, suggesting the attackers could have been disguised as separatist fighters.
Since war first broke out in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions in 2017 as a result of ruthlessly repressed protests, more than 6,000 people have died there.
Amnesty International condemned government forces, militias, and separatists earlier this month for atrocities committed in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, including murders, rapes, torture, house burnings, and other atrocities. It said that individuals who speak out face threats and detention.
