Geneva, The UN Human Rights Office has strongly condemned the recent attack on Bamenyam market in western Cameroon, which resulted in the death of nine civilians. The assault, carried out by suspected armed separatists, also involved abductions and extensive property damage.

According to United Nations Human Rights, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, the attack occurred on 21 November. Armed fighters from the English-speaking North-West region stormed the market in the French-speaking Bamboutos area. The attackers shot randomly at civilians, set businesses on fire, abducted at least ten individuals, and looted property. This violent incident is part of a broader crisis in Cameroon that has seen thousands of civilians killed, injured, or displaced since 2016. Magango emphasized that such attacks against civilians are unacceptable and urged for the immediate release of the abducted persons. He also called for thorough, impartial, and independent investigations into all attacks on civilians to ensure justice and accountability.

This recent market attack is not an isolated incident. Earlier this month, on 6 November, another major attack by armed groups in Egbekaw village, in the South-West region, reportedly left at least 25 civilians dead. The increasing violence in Cameroon’s regions highlights a deepening crisis that has had severe humanitarian consequences.