France does not arm Boko Haram - Defence Minister

The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo’o disclosed to Members of Parliament yesterday April 1, 2015 that they have not found further evidence that confirms that arms used by the terrorist group, Boko Haram have been supplied by the French government, as rumoured.

He was speaking in the hemicycle during general debates in plenary chaired by House Speaker, Right Hon. Cavaye Yeguie Djibril, for the adoption of three bills on a Security Cooperation Agreement with Turkey, audio-visual activities and on electronic communications.

Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo’o said that globally, the security situation in the country has improved even though, the situation remains volatile with the pursuance of kidnappings, insurgency and a preoccupying humanitarian situation.

He assured that security cooperation with France is satisfactory and in conformity with several defence agreements.

The plenary then adopted the bill to authorise the President of the Republic to ratify the Cooperation Agreement in the field of Security signed between the government of the Republic of Cameroon and the government of the Republic of Turkey in Ankara, Turkey on June 19 2014. The implementation of the agreement will enhance cooperation in the area of security and defence between both countries.

Earlier, the MPs adopted the bill governing audiovisual activities in Cameroon that meets requirements for the June 17, 2015 switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting.

The Minister of Communication, Issa Tchiroma Bakary assured the MPs that the cities of Yaounde and Douala will be digitalised followed by the rest of the country.

He also assured that decoders will be available for Cameroonians at prices not exceeding FCFA 8,000.

More so, the State-owned broadcasting corporation, Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV), will be revamped in its production, transmission and broadcasting services, and will continue broadcasting in both analogue and digital systems for a transition period of two years.

As at press time, the plenary was adopting the bill to amend and supplement some provisions to regulate electronic communications in Cameroon.