Garoua to serve as base for 300 American soldiers

President Paul Biya confirmed the dispatch of US Army troops announced Wednesday, June 14 by the White House. The statement from the presidency of the republic reported that the detachment of American soldiers will be based in Garoua in the North.

The Presidency suggests that these men will support in intelligence and surveillance. Their work will support the Cameroonian forces engaged in the fight against Boko Haram.

According to the Cameroonian executive, the presence of this detachment is the result of an agreement between the two governments. The head of state also welcomed this act which confirms the high quality relations between the two countries.

On Wednesday, the White House formally notified Congress, US House, that the operation will mobilize 300 soldiers. The first American contingent of 90 men arrived Monday in Cameroon. These soldiers are not on a combat mission although they are armed for their own protection.

Far from the combat zone, they will concentrate on border surveillance and aerial action. This is using all means, including the interception of communications and the use of drones to get the right information for Cameroonian forces.

President Paul Biya has always been committed to permanently resolving the threat of Boko Haram. To do that, he trusted the Cameroonian defense forces in all their components. He remained open to outside support.

Cameroon accepted the collaboration of Chadian soldiers engaged in Cameroonian soil at the Far North region. Cameroon also took part in the formation of the Joint Multinational Force of Lake Chad Basin Commission.

The emergence of US intelligence illustrates the determination of the coalition forces in the area to permanently stop Boko Haram.