More than 1,000 lives lost in Cameroon from Boko Haram Incursions
Boko Haram attacks in the Far North Region of Cameroon have been a menace to the population and the military. Since 2013, over 315 incursions, 12 landmines and 32 suicide bombings were perpetrated by members of the Boko Haram terrorist group. This has led to the dead of over 1,098 civilians, 67 soldiers and 03 police officers as affirmed by Communication Minister, Issa Tchiroma Bakary during a press conference on January 14, 2016.
The Minister was responding to reports from some Non Governmental Organisations and Human Rights Activists operating in the defence of human rights who for some time now seem to have chosen to attack Cameroon through some grossly and falsely accusations, about acts which according to Mr Tchiroma, they see as serious violations of the international humanitarian law and of human rights allegedly committed by the military during the fight against Boko Haram.
Earlier in 2015, Amnesty International and some Human Rights Institutions had accused Cameroon’s defence forces for violating rights of enemies and sometimes civilian population, mass arrests, unlawful killings, excessive use of force, enforced disappearances, tortures and deaths of inmates or suspected Boko Haram activists. Refuting such allegations, the Minister stated that the forces of defence are well trained professionals, adding that the obligation to respect human rights, be it in time of peace or at war, is part and parcel of their training which they have made good use while in the field.
While recommending these NGOs to « not mix up the “abused and the abuser » in the war against Boko Haram, the Minister of Communication again « exalted the courage, determination and efficiency » of the Cameroonian armed forces, « supported in this by the bravery of the surveillance committees working with the public authorities, to track and arrest out these vicious criminals, everywhere they might be in Cameroon« .
Awah Taning
