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Civilians Say Cameroon Government Undermines War Against Boko Haram

Moki Edwin Kindzeka

   YAOUNDE - There are growing concerns among Cameroonians that their
   government and military are undermining the war against Boko Haram
   terrorists in the northern part of the country. Civilians and experts
   have criticized authorities' handling of the threat after a suspected
   Boko Haram militant attack on Sunday killed 17 people and wounded six
   others in a camp for displaced people. Cameroon's military rejects the
   criticism but admits that the Nigeria-based terrorist group is
   increasing the frequency of its attacks.
   Ousmanou Sani, head of the Nguetchewe village community near Cameroon's
   northern town of Mozogo says they have been counting on community
   militias for protection from Boko Haram. The 62-year-old says the
   military presence in their locality has been reduced significantly and
   their porous border with Nigerian villages is no longer controlled
   regularly. He spoke via a messaging application from Mozogo.
   Sani says the population can bear him witness that only poorly equipped
   vigilantes are seen most of the time carrying out patrols to protect
   civilians. He says if the military is stretched, the government should
   recruit and train vigilante groups members who are ready to protect
   their communities.
   Sani said the absence of the military from 5 of the 6 border control
   posts may have encouraged suspected Boko Haram militants to attack
   their locality over the weekend.
   Cameroon military acknowledged that several Boko Haram fighters
   including women crossed over from Nigeria and attacked an IDP camp at
   Nguetchewe village. The military in a statement said several people
   either died or were wounded in the attack, but did not give figures.
   Sani said 15 villagers died on the spot and one in a local hospital. He
   said six others were wounded in the grenade attack and more than 70 had
   fled for safety in neighboring bushes.

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