Since April 11th, a 27-year-old Congolese woman, the mother of a 2-year-old girl, has been held hostage by her Cameroonian partner in the city of Ouesso in the north. The kidnapper has demanded a ransom of 500,000 CFA francs (760 euros), according to municipal and military authorities. A video of this ransom demand circulated on social media, sparking outrage among the residents of Ouesso, who looted businesses owned by Cameroonians.
The scenes of looting erupted on Monday afternoon. In videos circulating on social media, dozens of angry youths from Ouesso can be seen pillaging a construction materials store and an electronics shop.
The clashes lasted for several hours in this usually calm city on the border with Cameroon.
Law enforcement fired tear gas canisters. According to a military source, a man was gravely injured, suffered from hemorrhaging, and eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Security was heightened in Ouesso on the orders of the Ministry of Interior. According to the mayor, the city regained its composure by the end of the day. However, bars and restaurants remained closed throughout the evening.