At least 18 injured by an explosive attack during a sports career in Cameroon

A total of eighteen people were injured for the explosion of at least two devices during a crowded marathon in the city of bueasouthwest of Cameroonlocal authorities reported.

“There were two or three explosions during the race. But I must mention that these explosions did not have a big impact on the competition.said the governor of the South West region of Cameroon (where the incident occurred), Bernard Okalia Calamityin statements collected by local media.

“I would like to congratulate the security forces, the people of Buea and all Cameroonians of good faith who ignored this small maneuver, an attempt to disrupt a great sports festival,” he added.

For his part, the Cameroonian Minister of Sports, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, assured that “the defense and security forces have the situation under control”.

The explosions occurred this Saturday as hundreds of people watched and took part in a marathon known as the Climbing Mount Cameroon.

After the incident, security forces searched the city and arrested suspectsaccording to local media.

Always the perpetrators of this attack are unknown.

The South West region of Cameroon is immersed in the violence due to a secessionist crisis between armed groups Anglophone separatists and state armed forces.

Although English and French are co-official languages ​​in Cameroon and co-exist alongside 250 other native languages, 20% of the Cameroonian population is English-speakinga minority that felt marginalized and assimilated by the French-speaking central government for decades.

The current crisis affects the North West and South West regions of the country and began in 2016, with protests and strikes by teachers and lawyers demanding equal use of English in courts and schools and greater representation in government.

In 2017, it became an armed conflict intensified by the refusal of the government of President Paul Biya, in power for 40 years, which rejected all kinds of demands.

One of the separatist groups claimed responsibility, but signaled that its intention was attack the military.

“Our main targets were the Cameroonian military ensuring the safety of the athletes.. We regret that there are injured civilians. We will continue to fight the military where they are until we liberate our territory,” said Capo Daniel, deputy chief of defense and spokesman for the Ambazonia Defense Forces.

The annual race celebrated its 50th anniversary, with the participation of more than 550 athletes from 13 countries. The race had started less than 30 minutes before the explosion caused a rush of athletes and spectators.

(With information from EFE and The Associated Press)

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