Civil society want clarification on Far North insecurity

Members of the confederation of civil society organizations in Cameroon, known by the name Dynamique Citoyenne, have expressed serious worries and discomfort about the way the government is handling the insecurity situation in the Far North.

Dynamique Citoyenne notes with dismay that the head of state has not thought it expedient to address the nation and clarify public opinion on the government’s perception of the Boko Haram phenomenon.

In a release that was sent to our newsroom by Dynamique Citoyenne and signed by its national president, Jean Mark Bikoko, the confederation of civil society organisations noted that “at a time when Cameroonians are asking questions as to the origins and the causes of the insecurity in the Far North region, information given by the press, both national and international press talk of a rebellion intended to destabilize the Yaounde regime.”

Dynamique Citoyenne notes that even though the minister of communication told public opinion that the insecurity was due to Boko Haram insurgents from neighbouring Nigeria, some members of the same government have contradicted the government spokesman.

The speaker of the National Assembly Cavaye Yeguie for instance, was quoted as saying that Boko Haram was sponsored and supported by “some people in the house”. The elites of Lekie division seemingly in response to Cavaye’s angry outburst issued a statement indicting Northerners as the brains behind Boko Haram.

Dynamique Citoyenne notes that these ambiguous and divergent gov’t positions on Boko Haram only leaves Cameroonians in confusion, and poses a serious threat to social cohesion in the country.

That is why Dynamique Citoyenne is calling on President Biya who is the sole guarantor of peace, unity and sovereignty in Cameroon to come out and explain to Cameroonians what exactly is Boko Haram and who its members are.

Dynamique Citoyenne also urges Biya to explain why he declared war on Boko Haram without consulting parliament and where he gets the money to finance the war given that parliament did not vote any budget for the war.