Boko Haram: Muslim leaders put community on alert

In a grandiose demonstration of tolerance, harmony and brotherhood,  leaders of the Muslim community in the South West Region travelled to Buea, 1 January, 2016, for what they termed “special prayer session for peace and sustained security in Cameroon”. The event was organised under the auspices of the South West branch of the Council of Imams and Muslim Dignitaries in Cameroon (French acronym, CIDIMUC). The venue of the special prayer was the Islamic Complex Central Mosque in Buea Town. Dignitaries at the event included the Secretary General at the South West Governor’s office, Clement Fon Ndikum, and the Divisional Officer of Buea, Paul Wokam.         

Alhadji Mohammed Aboubakar, Imam of Buea Central Mosque and South West Regional President of the Council of Imams and Muslim Dignitaries in Cameroon (CIDIMUC), was the host religious leader amid a dozen others from the six Divisions of the Region. Among them were also some of the Muslim traditional leaders called Sarikis, all of whom represented the 6000-member Muslim-community of the South West.

We prayed for Allah to save us from the Boko Haram terrorism and also for poverty alleviation, good health, wisdom of Heads of State of Africa and the world and all good things we expect to have and I believe God definitely is going to answer our prayers”, Imam Aboubakar who led the session told the press after a three-hour long intensive prayers.

“Side by side with the enormous material that the State has put in to fight Boko Haram, we too, have what it takes to supplicate God to help us win over terrorism”, Imam Aboubakar explained. He added, “The Head of State has said it over that terrorism is a global problem and requires a global solution” and we, as Muslims, cannot stay behind.”

It is a common claim among the Muslims that they are most affected in this issue of Boko Haram. They are justified with reports of invasion of mosques in Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon where people are killed in prayer sessions for no reason by Boko Haram. To address this, National Coordinator of Imams and Muslim Dignitaries in Cameroon (French acronym, CIDIMUC) launched a wave of special prayer sessions since 28 December across the Country.

“Our regional meeting here in Buea has coincided with the Christian New Year calendar (1 January) showing how the Cameroonian community is tolerant and lives freely together sharing the sorrow and happiness of one another." he said, adding that the Imams of the South West will go back to their various communities and continue these prayers incessantly until the war against Boko Haram is finally won.