Cameroon Separatist Rebels Kidnap Over 30 Women

(Photo source: Google Maps capture)

In the Northwest region of Cameroon, Africa, separatist rebel forces are reported to have abducted more than 30 women.

According to the Associated Press and other sources on the 24th (local time), Simon Emil Muhe, a top local official, stated that over 30 women were kidnapped the previous day in Babanki village near the Nigeria border in the Northwest region.

It is presumed that they were abducted after protesting against the separatist rebel forces imposing taxes for various reasons.

Kapoh Daniel, the leader of the separatist rebels, said, "These women were kidnapped in mid-month and are being punished because they cooperated with the Cameroonian government."

Cameroon continues to experience conflict between its English-speaking population, which makes up 20% of the total population, and the majority French-speaking population. Since the armed clashes between the two sides at the end of 2016, English-speaking separatists declared an independent state in 2017 in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon, where most English speakers reside. In response, Cameroonian President Paul Biya took a violent crackdown approach, and clashes between the two sides have continued since then.