French Ambassador brought to tears as rally turns anti France, Boko Haram

Allegations over France’s link with the Nigerian terrorist sect Boko Haram are far from over in Cameroon. A segment of the population, especially the youths, continue to hold that the French have a hand in the terrorist activities of Boko Haram.

At a support rally last weekend in Yaoundé, Feb.28, organized by the United for Cameroon Coalition, to show solidarity to the country’s soldiers fighting the terrorist group and civilians who are suffering as a result of the war, some youths who showed up for the event did not hide their feelings as they accused France of supporting Boko Haram.

Theirs was visibly demonstrated when Christine Robichon, French ambassador to Cameroon showed up at the rally. The Ambassador was welcomed by boos and jeers from angry youths who chanted “No to France, no to Boko Haram. Visibly embarrassed and irritated by the action of the youths, Robichon almost burst into tears as she did not understand why some Cameroonians continue to accuse her country of being behind the terrorist sect.

Attempts to douse the allegations were first made after French foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius denied them in a press conference in Yaoundé when he came to tell Cameroon authorities that France was on the side of Cameroon in the war to eradicate militants of the extremist group.

Francoise Hollande, French President who on Feb. 27 sent a condolence message to Paul Biya, President, on the Kolofata massacre, it has been announced, will be in Cameroon in the months ahead, probably to demonstrate that his country is committed to helping Cameroon in the war against Boko Haram.

The support rally last weekend featured thousands of Cameroonians among them some top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and peoples from all works of lives.