Separatist fighters have claimed responsibility for an attack that resulted in the death of two Cameroonian soldiers in Mbingo, a small town in the Boyo Division of the country’s North West Region.
The soldiers were reportedly ambushed October 9, 2024, and their guns and helmets were sized and displayed in images circulated by pro-separatist social media channels.
A viral amateur video seen by MMI shows the fighters searching the body of one of the fallen soldiers. In the background, a voice could be heard commenting, “This is Mbingo today, October 9. These are people who do not want us to rest”.
The armed fighters responsible for the attack identified themselves as the “Pythons of Boyo,” an armed militia under the command of self-proclaimed separatist General Nyih.
Displaying two riffles believed to have been seized from the soldiers, the fighters boasted in the video: “The fight started in Mbingo and will end in Mbingo”.
Administrative authorities in the area have, as usual, remained silent in the face of the attack against state forces.
The incident is the latest of recurring cases of violence and bloodshed that have characterized the English-speaking Regions of Cameroon since armed conflict erupted in 2017.
At least 6,000 people have lost their lives since the conflict started, according to the UN.
Parties to the conflict have snubbed dialogue calls, opting for a military campaign that has caused enormous destruction to human life and property.
The latest incident contradicts claims by the security hierarchy and government officials that everything is under control in the North West and South West Regions.
