The Malende attack took place on 5 September 2025 during the ongoing Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon.

The western regions of Cameroon have been gripped by conflict since Anglophone separatists launched an armed rebellion in 2017 with the stated goal of seceding from the Francophone-majority central government. They aim to establish an independent state called Ambazonia in the west of the country. The tensions, which began with peaceful protests organized by lawyers and teachers, turned deadly following a government crackdown. The government has accused separatists of committing atrocities against civilians, while the conflict has left more than 6,000 people dead and displaced over 600,000, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG).

According to the Cameroon News Agency, government forces had been patrolling the area in the weeks leading up to the attack, searching for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

On the morning of 5 September 2025, a military patrol from the Remote Intervention Battalion (BIR) was attacked during a relief mission in the locality of Malende, near Buea, along the Buea to Kumba highway.The soldiers were ambushed by an IED concealed by separatists in a rubber plantation near a Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) camp.

The explosive device detonated as their vehicle passed, killing seven soldiers instantly,while an eighth soldier died from wounds after being evacuated to a hospital.

On the day of the incident, the attack was officially claimed by the separatist insurgent group known as the Fako Unity Warriors.

On 6 September 2025, opposition politician Maurice Kamto expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and the defense and security forces, wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded. He called on the President of the Republic to show compassion by declaring a national day of mourning to honor both civilian and military victims of the conflict.

Attorney Michèle Ndoki stated:

The tragedy of Malende, in the Southwest region, where seven young soldiers lost their lives in another IED attack, is heartbreaking. These are our brothers, our children, our fellow citizens. Once again, young Cameroonians are killing each other in a conflict that could be resolved with the political will to listen, dialogue, and act for peace... Together, let us be the voice of reason, the voice of peace, and the force for change.

Political scientist Christopher Fomunyoh noted that the attack served as "another reminder that resolving this conflict requires more than a militaristic approach. Real third-party facilitated negotiations are needed."

On 8 September 2025, the Embassy of France in Cameroon issued a statement condemning the incident: "We send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the civilian and military victims who lost their lives during the attacks that took place over the weekend of September 5 to 7 in the Fako and Mayo-Tsanaga departments. We strongly condemn these attacks and reaffirm our solidarity with the Cameroonian people."

The Cameroon Party for National Reconciliation (PCRN), led by Cabral Libii, stated that "the Anglophone crisis must be brought to an end."The Social Democratic Front (SDF), speaking through Achille Leudjo, denounced the breakdown of security and national unity, highlighting the growing vulnerability of defense forces.

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Category:Anglophone Crisis Category:2025 in Cameroon Category:September 2025 events in Africa Category:Ambazonia