At least eight people are reported to have been shot and killed by security forces in Cameroon on Sunday during anti-government protests.
There was heavy deployment of security forces across major cities in the English-speaking areas of Cameroon on Sunday in an attempt to block planned anti-government protests.
Lat Friday authorities in Cameroon banned public meetings and gatherings in the Anglophone part of the country as demands for independence continues.
The rallies were held on the 56th anniversary of the incorporation of the Anglophone regions into Cameroon.
The mayor of the town of Kumbo,Donatus Njong Fonyuy told the BBC that five of the dead were prisoners shot after a jail caught fire. Activists are calling for the release of prisoners who had been arrested in previous protests.
Officials have said allowing for such protests for independence will threaten the unity of Cameroon which is largely a Francophone country.
Those living in the English speaking areas in Cameroon have accused the Francophone majority of discrimination.
Their concerns ranges from not getting jobs opportunities and having legal systems in French language imposed on them.
Those claims have been rejected by the government. There has been a crackdown on such dissents as well in the pats months.
Cameroon was colonised by Germany but was split into British and French areas after World War One.
Source: Africafeeds.com
