At least 17 killed in Cameroon as anglophones declare ‘independence’

At least 17 people were killed over the weekend in clashes linked to a symbolic declaration of independence by Cameroon’s anglophone minority, concurring sources said on Monday.

Amnesty International said “at least” 17 people were killed by security forces in the country’s two English-speaking regions, a figure that concurred with a toll given by official sources, who said two Nigerians were among the dead.

An earlier tally compiled by AFP put the death toll at seven, who were shot dead by security forces.

English-speakers, who comprise about a fifth of Cameroon's population of 22 million, say they suffer discrimination and inequality at the hands of the francophone majority -- a resentment that led to a symbolic declaration of independence on Sunday.

President Paul Biya has opposed any secession or move to a federal state.

Source: AFP