Inter-communal clashes on Aug 10 killed 32 in Cameroon: UNHCR

By Aurore Bonny

DOUALA, Cameroon (AA) – At least 32 people were killed and 19 villages were burned down during inter-communal clashes in Cameroon's far north district, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Thursday.

On August 10, fighting erupted in the country's far north district of Logone-Birni between Arab herders from the Choa community and fishermen from the Mousgoum tribe.

According to the UN, the herders accused the fishermen of being responsible for their animals falling into holes dug to trap fish.

"This is really a land dispute," according to Cameroon Tribune, the local newspaper, which has recently reported that the “absence of common ground has led to a latent conflict.”

Around 11,000 people have fled to Chad as a result of the clashes.

"Refugees who crossed are about 80 to 85% women and children. They are mostly hosted in host families, families of Chadians," Aristophane Ngargoune, UNHCR spokesman in N'Djamena told the international media.

He also reported that others are being housed in schools and public buildings, with no luggage, administrative documents, or officials, as a result of the insecurity situation.

UNHCR said 7,300 people have relocated to the border region in northern Cameroon.

Cameroonian authorities took measures last Saturday to ease tensions between the two opposing communities.

Among other things, a crisis management committee of 20 members, 10 from each community, was formed to "engage in a frank and sincere dialogue between the Choas Arabs and Mosgoums."