Cameroon’s military has confirmed that troops have been deployed to Buea and Limbe to protect football players, officials, and fans for the tournament. A spokesman declined to comment on the number of troops and armored vehicles deployed.
Meanwhile, Anglophone separatists fighting in Cameroon’s west to break away from the majority French-speaking Nation have vowed to disrupt the games.
Spokesperson for the separatist group Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF), Tapang IVO says the ADF has warned the Confederation of African Football that AFCON matches should not take place in the towns, as the group is still fighting there with government troops.
However, the Governor of Cameroon’s southwest region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, says civilians should report any rebel suspects hiding in their community stressing that residents and visitors should not be afraid of the separatists’ threats.
Nevertheless, the southwestern towns will host group matches for teams from Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, and Tunisia.
