Cameroon: Peace, security still a far cry in the North

A year after the suicide attack in the northern Cameroon town of Maroua on 25 July, 2015 that left 33 people dead, residents of the town’s district of Pont Vert are remembering the victims.

They organized a silent march in the city’s streets from the Pont Vert area, where a female suicide bomber struck. Among the 33 victims 11 were in this district.

After last year’s attack, a number of measures have been taken by authorities in the region to strengthen security. Curfews have been imposed everywhere, as well as strict controls and searches on all those entering and leaving the area. Certain freedoms have also been limited in the area, with the ban on motorcycle taxis to move people and goods.

The area which has been menaced by the Boko Haram owing to its proximity to the border with Nigeria, has seen economic activities go down as the border remains closed.

The Cameroonian army uses the town of Maroua as the headquarters for its operations against the group, as part of a multinational force battling the militants in neighboring parts of Nigeria.

But things have been even worse, especially after these attacks resumed, including the most recent in Djakana on June 29 which left 11 people dead. The Boko Haram attacks have become almost routine, with 12 attacks being experienced since 1 July, 2016.

And within a month, these attacks have claimed a total of 14 lives, including military personnel. The insurgents have also driven away herds of cattle and abducted villagers.

All of these activities go on to show that Boko Haram have stepped up their acts, and security is still a far cry in northern Cameroon.