Religious bodies join quest for hostages

The move is expected to result in the release of Canadian nun abducted along with two Italian priests.

Faith-based groups and religious denominations in Cameroon are putting up a force to help government’s on-going effort for the release of Italian and Canadian expatriates abducted in the Far North of the country on April 5, 2014.

One Canadian nun, Gilberte Bussieres (74), abducted along with two Italian priests, Giampaolo Marta and Gianantonio Allegri, in an overnight armed raid on a small church school is believed to be conducted by the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram in the village locality of Tchéré near the Nigerian border.

Since then the Cameroon government has tightened security measures along its borders while efforts are deployed for their release. The kidnapping follows the abduction of a French priest, Georges Vandenbeusch (42), who was taken in a similar raid last November, and freed in December. Also this year, a French family including four children was taken by Boko Haram, and later freed after a ransom was paid.

Last April 30 a joint communiqué by the Cameroon Islamic Union (UIC) and the Cameroon Board of Imams, Mosques and Islamic Affairs (COCIMAI) condemns all acts of terrorism by individualist Muslims. “Such acts”, the communiqué states, “tarnish the image of Islam and meant for social and political destabilisation”.

Meanwhile, representatives of the two Islamic groups and leaders of the Evangelical Church of Cameroon (ECC) met in Akwa-Douala April 30 and chart a way for the release of the captives, denounce as well as seek ways to put an end to the influx of terrorist groups and militias from neighbouring countries.

The meeting resolved to muster traditional and religious Muslim leaders across the country, particularly those around the borders to collaborate with the administration and security force and report all imminent threats from militias.

Participants hope to gain the collaboration of all border inhabitants and religious bodies in order to avert further incursions from rebels and militias”.

Grand Imam for the Littoral Region Dr. Ibrahim Moubarak Mbombo, who is also National Coordinator of UIC and President of COCIMAI, says there is need for cooperation between Christian denominations and Mosques and Islamic and Christian groups, on the one hand, and Christians and Muslims on the other.

Pastor Batome Henga Isaac, President General of ECC, says the church is against such acts of violence perpetrated against the clergy. He calls on Christians to maintain peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.