The quiet village of Malende, situated between Muyuka and Kumba in Cameroon’s South West Region, was once again shaken by violence on September 5, 2025, following a deadly Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack that claimed the lives of at least seven government soldiers.
According to reports from Cameroon News Agency (CNA), the soldiers were en route to begin their morning shift when their military pickup truck struck an IED planted along the road in the Candef Rubber Estate, CDC Camp. The explosion was immediate and devastating, killing the occupants on the spot and marking one of the most lethal incidents in the area in recent months.
A circulating security voice note confirms the grim toll, with one soldier acknowledging the loss of seven comrades in the blast.
Malende has increasingly become a flashpoint for separatist activity, particularly linked to Ambazonia fighters, who have adopted IEDs as a strategic tool to target government patrols. In response, security forces have intensified routine patrols and IED sweeps, often trekking on foot through suspected danger zones to avoid triggering hidden devices. Despite these precautions, the recent attack underscores the persistent volatility in the Muyuka Subdivision, where road networks are reportedly laced with explosives.
This incident forms part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions, where the protracted conflict between separatist groups and government forces continues to destabilize communities and claim lives. The use of IEDs—once rare in the region—has now become a tactical hallmark of the insurgency, posing growing risks to both military personnel and civilians.
Presidential candidate Cabra Libii was among the first to respond publicly to the tragedy. In a statement, he wrote:
“Seven (07) of our brave soldiers lost their lives today in Buea in an ambush. Our sincere condolences to their families. Strength and courage to our defense forces. This is a priority! The Anglophone crisis must be brought to an end.”
Libii’s message not only honors the fallen but also reinforces his campaign’s urgent call for national reconciliation and peacebuilding.
Responsibility for the attack was claimed by a faction known as the Ambazonia Unity Warriors of Fako, who released a video showing weapons and equipment allegedly seized during the ambush. The footage has since circulated widely online, further intensifying public concern.
The tragedy in Malende serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the pressing need for dialogue, de-escalation, and inclusive peace efforts. As the region mourns, the question remains: what concrete steps will be taken to secure the area and protect those who serve?
