Abuja
disappointed at Yaounde’s “Complacency and leniency” vis-à-vis terrorist
activities along their common frontiers.
By
Ayukogem Steven Ojong in Yaounde
It might not
be known to the average Cameroonian. Yet, the fact is that Nigerian authorities
are very disappointed and unhappy with Cameroon since for several months now.
The apple of discord is the difference in opinion over the tackling of the ever
rising terrorist activities in Northern Nigeria, that are globally attributed
to the Islamic fundamentalist group-Boko Haram.
It is understood that while
Nigeria is seeking President Biya’s nod for a joint and concerted effort of the
military forces of both countries to check the menace, the Etoudi Palace tenant
in his characteristic carefulness, and true to his policy of non-interference
in the internal affairs of others, would not heed Goodluck Jonathan’s sustained
plea for assistance.
Goodluck
Jonathan and Paul Biya
The discord between Abuja and
Yaounde over Boko Haram now appears consummated. And relations between the two
capitals keep deteriorating by the day. While Nigeria appears helpless and
overwhelmed by the terrorists, Cameroon is keen on protecting and checking only
her frontiers, to avoid any infiltration by whosoever and for what-so-ever.
Recently in a press outing in
Yaounde, Communication Minister, IssaTchiroma, denied accusations by Nigerian
press that Cameroon was condoning, and by so doing, promoting the destabilizing
activities of Boko Haram in Nigeria.
Though Tchiroma technically
avoided mentioning Nigeria and Boko Haram, he however debunked the allegations,
describing them as “irresponsible and ungrounded.”
“Cameroon is a peace-loving
country… there is no way it can encourage violence in other countries and
especially neighbouring countries.” Tchiroma said, noting that the government
was not oblivious that “when a neighbours house is on fire, there is the risk
that he too could receive sparks.”
IssaTchiroma, who is also the
spokesperson for government, said it loud that: “Cameroon has never and will
never accept that its territory be used as a support base for agents of
destabilization against other states.” He denounced the Nigerian press for
trying to scapegoat Cameroon for the difficulties their country is facing
vis-à-vis Boko Haram.
It should be emphasized here
that though the strain in Abuja-Yaounde relations is little known and yet
undeclared, it runs far deep under the surface and is bigger than meets the
eye.
Very recently a much vaunted
visit by President Goodluck Jonathan to Yaounde was short-circuited for reasons
that were not immediately clear. Reports said all diplomatic arrangements were
not ready at the time the visit was expected to take place. Also, during the
recent celebrations to mark the centenary of the Nigerian Federation, president
Biya snubbed an invitation from his Nigerian counterpart, preferring to send
instead his prime minister. French President, Francois Hollande travelled to
Abuja for the centenary.
However, Yaounde has not
remained indifferent in the face of accusations from Nigeria. Recently the army
chief of staff, Rene Claude Meka, travelled to Northern Cameroon to mobilise
Cameroonian forces at the borders with Nigeria. This was seen as Yaounde trying
at long last, to heed Nigeria’s call for action against Boko Haram. While
historian and researcher, Raoul Sumu cautions Cameroonian authorities to avoid
interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, he at once advises that the
government should contemplate a joint, coordinated action against Boko Haram.
He said this could take the form of information sharing, synchronized patrols
along the respective borders and coordinated operations in both countries.
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