No to Violence, Boko Haram

Muslims in the municipality of Douala II have unanimously pledged to contribute to government efforts against rebel incursion and terrorism in Cameroon. They made the promise during a concertation with executives of the Douala II Council, initiated and chaired by Mayor Denise Fampou, at the Council's Fampou David Dagobert Hall in New Bell June 19.

The meeting, attended by Imams, Muslim dignitaries, presidents of Islamic associations, Muslim family heads of the municipality, was to sensitise the Muslim community in the council area as well as Muslims all over Cameroon on to be alert and avert further incursions by the Nigerian sectarian group, Boko Haram. Ways underscored to curb the ill include having a firm conviction that Boko Haram is a great danger to the entire humanity, allow the fight to take root in their heart else they would be helping its proliferation, invoke Allah to intervene because he is the final hope of victory, and report or denounce every act by this rebel group or any similar act that may pose a danger on society to the competent authorities. Other proposed actions which include listening and denouncing all acts of insecurities.

Amino Mohamadou, First Assistant Grand Imam of the Douala Central Mosque, called on Muslims to pray but remain attentive, noting that Allah abhors destruction. "Boko Haram and its terror is not Muslim, it does not respect the Muslim faith, reason why the fight is non-negotiable," said Nsangou Mama Awolo, Imam of the Oumar El-faroug Mosque New Bell. To Bakai Dialo Mamadou, Muslim dignitary, "Islam does not implant bombs nor take people hostage". Housseni Adamou Labo, Head of the Hausa community and President of the Board of Muslims Traditional Chiefs in the Littoral, emphasised on the necessity to preserve peace and social stability, collaborate with authorities to denounce insecurities in all corners of the country.

While thanking the Muslims for their security concern, Denise Fampou, Mayor of Douala II Council, reiterated President Paul Biya's official stance against Boko Haram, noting "We must win the fight or else we will be making the President's speech a non-event." She said the initiative wqs born on the fact that her municipality harbours a great number of Muslims.

A declaration was issued at the end of the meeting calling for vigilance, unity not division, peace and social stability.