Cameroun, Chad to battle Boko Haram

Posted by admin Africa & World Politics, Boko Haram, Headlines Thursday, May 22nd, 2014

The presidents of Cameroon and Chad met Thursday to map out ways to combat the Boko Haram sect, which has extended its violence from Nigeria to its neighbors.

Presidents Paul Biya and Idriss Deby were also to examine security reports that some weapons used by Boko Haram came from Libya through Chad.

The two leaders said they were meeting to fine-tune plans and reiterate the commitments they made in Paris on May 17 to wage war against Boko Haram.

Col. Didier Badjeck, spokesperson for Cameroon’s military, said the two governments were committed more than ever to fight Boko Haram alongside Nigerian forces.

“We cannot be indifferent when our brothers and sisters live in permanent fear from those who have taken upon themselves to use violence on everyone instead of a spiritual rearmament they claim to bring,” he said.

Nyambelle Elvis, a Chadian expert on security issues, said the presidents of Chad and Cameroon had agreed to allow their forces to cross into the territories of each country in pursuit of terrorists and armed groups.

He said there are accords that authorize security forces from the two countries to pursue “havoc wreakers” up to 30 kilometers from the border.

He added it was therefore necessary to reinforce that measure and increase mixed patrols in the border area.

Elvis cited intelligence reports that Boko Haram has received sophisticated weapons from the Middle East and the Maghreb through Sudan and Chad to Nigeria and Cameroon.

According to him, weapons also came in from Libya and training of Boko Haram members took place in Mali when Islamist militants controlled the north of that country.

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