Terrorism on the African continent: The case of Cameroon

Saron M. ObiaPan African Institute for Development

West AfricaPAID-WA Buea, Cameroon

Outline

What is the definition of terrorism?

What is the historical evolution of Boko-Haram in Cameroon?

What are the three major cases of terrorism?

Can Cameroon defeat Boko-Haram?

What is the definition of terrorism?

There are 109 definitions of terrorism

Terrorism is the use of violence to achieve a political goal. Arguments have been advanced by some

terrorists groups like Boko-Haram and Hezbollah that “they are freedom fighters”.

There is a say “one man’s terrorist is another ones freedom fighter". The question that comes to the

mind is; why the use of violence if freedom fighter?

The modern terrorism have involved to the cyber space, the main activities are; acts of data corruption,

website defacement, remote interference of computer networks and breach of government secret data.

The various terrorist groups or organizations that initiate insecurity in the world

Africa ↔Al Shabab and Boko- Haram

Middle East ↔Islamic state of Israel and Syria (ISIS) and Al Quaeda

What is the historical evolution of Boko-Haram in Cameroon?

2010-2011 Boko-Haram were involved in arm transit, with main target Nigeria. Note should be taken, that the emergence

of terrorism on the Cameroon territory, came from the shift of the group from Nigeria. Terrorism could be perceived as a

tool to refrain the emergence of certain African countries.

2013 The group started direct attacks on Cameroon after a security summit held in France. The summit assisted by Nigerian

former head of state president Goodluck E. Johnathan, the eminent head of state of the republic of Cameroon, H.E Paul

Biya declared war against Boko-Haram.

2015 Full scale attacks increased in the northern part of Cameroon. when foreigners citizens of Chinese and French

nationality were abducted and the Cameroon government negotiated for their release.

2015-2016 Within this years the have been a huge counter attack by the Cameroon’s military force to main the honor and

peace of the country. through several operations, Cameroonians have demonstrated patriotism as well as love for their

brother in the front (civil military relationship).

What are the three major cases of Boko-Haram terrorism?

Religious issue

Boko-Haram is considered as a radical Muslim group out to establish a caliphate. The groups radicalism came from

northern Nigeria in to Cameroon in 2013 after a prompt summit held in French president to discuss on measures to

counter- terrorism and eradicate Boko-Haram which was a major concern.

Political issue

If violence is used because of the fear of the ballot box, what does the terrorist group want? If the consider themselves

freedom fighters, while violate international humanitarian law? Is the political agenda for Cameroon or Nigeria? Their

ideology is yet to be discuss, in relation to international security and terrorism.

Economic issue

Terrorism has gain currency in Cameroon through the tourism sector in the north, which brings huge income to the state.

The case of terror in Cameroon began through the abduction of Chinese and French nationals, who went for discoveries

and leisure in the northern region of Cameroon.

Can Cameroon defeat Boko-Haram?

Terrorism has never been an issue to the Cameroon military, though she has fought battles like the Bakassi peninsular against Nigeria. It should be noted that the enigma began in 2013, Cameroon defeating Boko-Haram can not happen as a single state. But with the following ideas the terrorist group shall be crush; The Cameroon army must be proactive that is through civil military relationship

- Intelligence

- Moral of the army

- Sufficient weapons The need for a coalition or joint task force

- Regional Approach (lake chad basin )

-Institutional approach (ECCAS) Assistance from foreign states

- Russia

-United States of America

- France