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At least 30 people kidnapped by suspected separatists in Cameroon troubled southwestern English-speaking region, local sources said.
The population was kidnapped after suspected separatists attacked buses using the highway, said one of the sources.
"More than 30 people were kidnapped yesterday on the road between Buea and Kumba," said a source close to the authorities on Wednesday, confirming the story of this NGO.
Since October 2017, the southwestern and northwestern regions are grappling with a revolt armed with anglophones claiming the independence of the predominantly French-speaking country of Africa.
Ransom kidnappings and extortions, as well as attacks against troops and police, proliferated in both regions. Public buildings and schools were also attacked.
The government responded by deploying thousands of soldiers.
More than 200 members of the security forces and at least 500 civilians have been killed since 2017, according to the International Crisis Group.
According to United Nations estimates, more than 437,000 people have fled their homes since the beginning of the crisis almost two years ago.
Long-term conflict
Britain previously ran the two regions under the name of Southern Cameroon.
They were incorporated in Cameroon in October 1961, 22 months after the granting of independence by France.
Over the years, Anglophones have made fun of the discrimination perceived by the French-speaking majority, particularly in law, education and economic opportunities.
The demands for greater autonomy or a return to the federal structure of Cameroon were rejected by the central government of the capital, Yaoundé.
The conflict has become President Paul Biya's main security problem in nearly four decades of rule.
The situation became more tense last year, as the country held presidential elections that marked the victory of Biya for a seventh term, despite statements of victory by the opposition.
Politicians have repeatedly called on the president to engage in a dialogue to end the violence, but the 85-year-old has refused, repeatedly baderting that Cameroon is one and indivisible.
The UN has condemned the Cameroonian army and the separatists for using unnecessary and excessive force.
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| Cameroonian President Paul Biya has been in power for nearly four decades (File: Sunday Alamba / AP) |
SOURCE:
Al Jazeera and news agencies
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