Maga: Civilians ransack military camp, burn several army vehicles

The city of Maga located in the Mayo Danay department of the Far North region, was the scene of violent clashes on October 21, 2015 between local youth and Cameroonian soldiers in the area to fight against terrorism.

Overwhelmed by the alleged deviant behavior of these young soldiers, the people of Maga demonstrated last Wednesday. Their action led to altercations that led to attacks on the population by the military. One civilian was killed and several others injured.

The death of the civilian caused anger among the population. They entered the Maga military camp where they ransacked and burned all vehicles belonging to the Cameroonian army.

The Governor of the Extreme North region Midjiyawa Bakari, visited Maga on Thursday where he asked that an investigation be opened quickly for those responsible for the incident be punished. The head of the Far North region said his region had enough problems and such acts will not be tolerated at all.

Kah Walla of the Cameroon People's Party (CPP) condemned the behavior of the young soldiers who need to create a healthy environment with the population to fight effectively against terrorism. "The CPP recalled that in the current situation of the fight against terrorism, it is more necessary than ever to ensure respect for the rights and freedoms of citizens, guaranteeing their full and entire cooperation in the eradication of Boko Haram," wrote CPP in a press release issued on October 22.

The abuses of the Cameroonian army against civilians were reported last September in a report by the NGO Amnesty International. "However, it is shocking that an army supposed to protect civilians against Boko Haram has itself committed atrocities. The crimes committed by all parties must be subject to prompt and impartial investigations," wrote Amnesty International in a report entitled: Cameroon. Human rights in focus. The fight against Boko Haram and its consequences.