Boko Haram: SDF wants ransom negotiators in government revealed

The opposition Social Democratic Front, SDF party, is demanding that government reveals the identities of state officials who have been negotiating and paying ransoms to Boko Haram for the liberation of hostages.

The demand is contained in a 21-point resolution which summoned a meeting of the National Executive Committee, NEC, of the party, chaired by its leader, John Fru Ndi last Saturday in Bamenda.

The party is arguing that the move would facilitate the trailing of the terrorists and that the state officials in the negotiations would be obliged to tell Cameroonians what the terrorists want.

They equally noted that the Cameroon government has been in talks with the terrorists on several occasions, negotiated and paid heavy ransoms for the liberation of Cameroonians and foreigners kidnapped by the terrorists.

The SDF NEC impugned the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, President Paul Biya, for failing to address the nation and consult political and civil organizations during the tragic and sad events.

The party also indicted the state for “maintaining weak institutions which fail to protect persons and property as well as the rule of law.”

Besides the disclosure of government-Boko Haram negotiators, the SDF wants among other possible solutions to Boko Haram threats, the definition by government, of a clear policy to fight terrorism and the initiation of permanent consultative and inclusive political forum to discuss issues related to threats to national security. This, the party big-wigs are convinced, will facilitate the making of decisions acceptable to all citizens.

The SDF noted with “dismay and consternation that the commander-in-chief of our armed forces and Head of state chooses to go on holidays and shies away from honouring our fallen heroes, visit the troops at the war front and the affected populations as well as the wounded in the various hospitals.”

While expressing condolences to families affected by recent Boko Haram attacks, the SDF reiterated the need for proper management of nation-wide contributions made to support the soldiers fighting Boko Haram and citizens living in affected areas.