Nwa communal violence: US embassy requests impartial investigation

The government of Cameroon has conspicuously remained silent days after communal violence between farmers and graziers resulted in bloodshed in some villages in Nwa Subdivision, Donga Mantung Division in the North West Region of Cameroon.

In a release, Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021, the US embassy in Yaounde Cameroon says “we call on authorities to take all possible steps to ensure security for residents of Nwa, a significant number of whom have reportedly been displaced and are now in need of humanitarian assistance “.

Contrary to other issues of killings and violence in Cameroon where the government makes official pronouncements, Nwa killings, and destruction by armed men believed to be cattle rearers have got no official reaction.

The US embassy states that “…we urge authorities to conduct a full and impartial investigation and to hold perpetrators accountable”.

The violence in Nwa Subdivision has sent local traditional authorities fleeing for safety into neighboring Bankim in Mayo-Banyo Division, Adamaoua Region of Cameroon. Reports show that the violence has occasioned several deaths, looting, and the burning of houses, markets, and churches in over six villages.

The US embassy in Yaounde is of the opinion that steps be taken to ease the tension “…and promote tolerance and mutual understanding within affected communities “.

Following growing violence in Nwa subdivision, locals have fled to other parts of Cameroon and some to neighboring Nigeria. Traditional rulers of the subdivision are to hold a meeting in Bankim in Adamawa Region to discuss a peace process.


Mbatho Ntan.

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