Reports of media clampdown, intimidation of opposition supporters ahead of 30 Sept legislative and municipal elections; ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement widely expected to win. Security forces 8 Sept seized suspected Boko Haram arms shipment in north bound for Borno State, Nigeria. Authorities 14 Sept repatriated 134 CAR refugees who protested against living conditions in Nandoungé camp.

Former Seleka fighters from CAR 19 Aug reportedly executed Cameroonian policeman responsible for border outpost in Toktoyo. Cameroon 14 Aug officially took possession of Bakassi Peninsula, hitherto under provisional Nigerian-Cameroonian administration, as per Aug 2008 Greentree accord; UNSC praised both countries for peaceful transition.

National gendarmerie late-June dismantled alleged Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram (BH) cell in Kolofata in north; authorities 3 July said over 20,000 Nigerians fled BH and Nigerian military operations into Cameroon.

UNHCR 18 June reported ongoing influx of Nigerian refugees fleeing military operations against Boko Haram. Ousted CAR President Bozizé 4 June left country for Kenya amid regional  tensions over his presence in Yaoundé.

President Biya 8 May again postponed parliamentary elections, now scheduled for Sept 2013, and extended mandate of municipal councillors by several months. Declaration of state of emergency in northern Nigeria sparked fears Boko Haram militants could cross into Cameroon (see Nigeria). Significant influx of Nigerian refugees reported 25 May in northern Kolofata border region. Presence of ousted CAR president Bozizé, who openly blames Chad for ouster, causing tensions with Chad.

Govt 14 April held first-ever senatorial election; ruling party won 56 of 70 seats. Authorities 19 April announced release of French family abducted Feb by Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram reportedly in exchange for $3.15m ransom and release of sect members imprisoned in Cameroon. Insecurity in east continued following early 2013 influx of refugees from CAR. Cameroon gendarmes 2 April launched “police action” in oil-rich Bakassi peninsula, ceded by Nigeria to Cameroon after ICJ ruling in 2002; 11 killed, some 1,800 displaced. Reasons for action unclear; Nigerian vowed to respond to attack.

Following Feb abduction of 7 French tourists, including 4 children, govt reinforced security along Waza-Dabanga-Kousseri road, deployed Rapid Intervention Battalion in Amchidé town; also established 3 inter-ministerial committees to deal with hostage crisis. Islamist sect Boko Haram 18 March released video of hostages, said suicide bombings and kidnappings will increase if govt does not release jailed Islamist militants. French FM Fabius visited 15-16 March, reiterated French support for efforts to liberate kidnapped French citizens. Political parties 18 March submitted candidate lists to Electoral Council; ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement only party to field candidates in all 10 provinces. Govt 25 March confirmed deposed CAR president Bozizé had sought refuge in country.

7 French tourists abducted from Dabanga on border with Nigeria 19 Feb by suspected Nigerian militants; captors demanded liberation of Islamist militants detained in Cameroon and Nigeria, declared war against France for Mali intervention in video published 25 Feb. President Biya 27 Feb set long-delayed date for Senate polls for 14 April.

Authorities 7 Jan announced extradition of 29 Nigerians, 2 Nigeriens suspected of ties with Boko Haram (BH). Former BH member turned “informant” found executed 19 Jan in Kousseri town, authorities believe BH responsible. Mid-month clashes over land between Peul and Mboum ethnic groups in Touborou left at least 4 dead. Amnesty International 24 Jan released report accusing govt of abuses including unlawful killings and torture of political opponents, human rights defenders, journalists.

Cameroon and Nigerian govts 17 Dec agreed to start process for demarcation of land-based areas yet to be identified in Bakassi peninsula; Nigeria expressed concern at reported cases of maltreatment of its citizens in Bakassi. Soldier 27 Dec reportedly shot at President Biya’s motorcade in failed assassination attempt. Court 14 Dec sentenced opposition leader Enoh Meyomess, arrested Nov 2011 for alleged coup attempt, to 7 years jail on charges of aggravated theft, illegal sale of gold.