Cameroon will overcome Boko Haram - Paul Biya

Before leaving Cameroon, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014, to take part in US-Africa Summit in Washington, the Head of State has granted an interview at the Salon d'Honneur from Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport, in which he gave assurances on the situation in the Far North, marked by attacks by Islamist sect Boko Haram.

He told reporters at the Airport that he was going to Washington on the invitation of the US president Barack Obama, to partake in the US-Africa summit, which “brings together all African Heads of State, so we study together ways to enhance cooperation between the U.S. and Africa.


President Biya said as part of the agenda for the meeting “will certainly be the problem of security in Africa. So this trip is really important to us; we will have the opportunity to continue to refine our positions on this important issue of security in Africa.


Speaking on his governments efforts in handling the situation in the northern part of the country, he said ”you remember that a few weeks ago, our forces made ??significant inroads against Boko Haram. But it is a long struggle; we are dealing with an evil enemy, lawless, attacking at night, which slaughters, which obviously makes abuses in Kolofata and Hile-Halifa. So [what] can I say is that Cameroon should be confident.


“I have sent the Chief of Staff to the Far North to reorganize our device; I also sent reinforcements of men and material. It is not excluded; I cannot say more, we strengthened our potential and I believe the coming days will show that our efforts to organize a response and defense of our territory are effective.

Allow me to also take this opportunity to console our brothers, our compatriots of the Far North who have suffered abuse, bereavement; I assure them of the compassion and solidarity of the entire nation of Cameroon. We will not let them [down]; instead we will continue to protect and fight the enemy relentlessly.


He offered his “condolences to those who lost a family member; I said to the administrative authorities to express these condolences. And all Cameroonians, I ask them to continue to trust the Government, Law Enforcement. I also welcome our soldiers, some of whom have fallen, who showed patriotism and bravery.”


He encouraged the forces of Cameroon to move forward and to all Cameroonians he said, “I say this: In the life of a nation, there are difficult times. At these moments, we must show courage, solidarity and patriotism. In this case, I say that Cameroon had to endure other hardships.”


We had to fight against the same Nigeria Bakassi, and before it was eradicated maquis (revolutionary movements), we came to the end of the dead cities; it is not Boko Haram, which will exceed the Cameroon.


We continue the fight, and we will win. My trip will also allow me to continue the struggle at [the] international level. Because this is an international terrorist movement, so it must also [be] dealt internationally. We will see President Goodluck, President Obama, of course, those of Niger and Chad to sit together [for] a regional strategy.”