The radical Islamist group Boko Haram has stepped up its suicide bombing attacks in northern Nigeria and Cameroon.
On 31 July, a massive bomb exploded in the market in Maiduguri, N.E. Nigeria – the traditional heartland of Boko Haram violence. At least six died and 11 were injured.
On 25 July, 20 people were killed when a 12year-old girl blew herself up in a crowded bar in Maroua, N. Cameroon. 79 others were injured.
But, on 2 August, the Nigerian military said it had rescued 178 people – including 101 children and 67 women – taken captive by Boko Haram in the N. Nigerian state of Borno.
Boosting co-operation
Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari visited Cameroon on 29–30 July in an attempt to boost regional co-operation against the Islamist group. Friction between the neighbouring countries, relating to a land dispute, has arguably aided Boko Haram. Cameroon has for a long time been one of the weak links in the fight, with its northern regions becoming a safe haven for militants.
However, things appear to be changing; Buhari has made some headline-grabbing moves to curb the Islamists’ insurgency, which has claimed 17,000 lives since 2009, according to Amnesty International.
Buhari has also made recent trips to Niger, Chad and Benin. Between them, Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Benin have deployed 8,700 soldiers to fight against Boko Haram. Nigeria’s presidential spokesman told the BBC that the newfound collaboration between West African nations will enable soldiers to pursue Boko Haram across borders.
The regional force, which has its headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, is due to be fully operational in September.
Churches affected
Meanwhile, the renewed attacks have seriously affected churches. The Revd Samuel Heteck, President of the Protestant Churches’ Council in Northern Cameroon, said: ‘We have observed a lack of concentration among worshippers during recent services as their ears remain attentive to any movement outside. The level of attendance has also fallen in various churches. All our summer programmes, such as youth camps, spiritual retreats and evening film-projections have now been cancelled.’
For months, Cameroon’s churches have been trying to contain the influx of 60,000 Nigerian refugees and thousands of internally displaced people who have found refuge in northern Cameroon. But churches have now become overwhelmed.
Enhanced security
A curfew was introduced on 26 July, prohibiting any personal or business meetings after 6p.m. Places of worship have also been subject to increased security surveillance by police and armed forces equipped with metal detectors.
Itinerant Quranic schools have been banned throughout the region, while an operation aimed at rounding up street children has been launched by the authorities, who want to prevent the use of children as potential suicide-bombers. According to local media, a young boy in possession of a bag containing explosives was arrested on 27 July by police.
Cameroon’s authorities have also followed Chad and Niger in banning the burqa, after suicide attacks were carried out by women wearing the Islamic gown. On 31 July, MPs in Chad voted back the death penalty for acts of terrorism, six months after it was abolished.
