Maroua: Controversy on new security measures

After the suicide bombings in Maroua, the administrative authorities have taken some measures applicable in the Far North region to fight terrorism and particularly, the suicide attacks.

"We recommend the revitalization of vigilance committees. The Government delegate and mayors must reconstitute the municipal police, who will also do its job within the markets, in synergy with the police or the gendarmerie. We advocate the absolute prohibition of street trading. We will not want to find children or adults carrying goods for sale. Any trade must be done at a fixed location with all regular documents.

Experience has shown that all suicide bombers are less than 15 years but children who are beyond should be reproached. There are talks on picking up all these children and bringing them to the legion of the gendarmerie. We must know which child belongs to which father and cordon will be laid day and night. This is now the repressive phase and not a warning.

Every wandering child will be taken to the legion for interrogation and will only be released in the presence of his parents. There will be a systematic monitoring of motorbikes; overloads are over. Each motorcycle must have all documents required by the decree of the Prime Minister and head of government. Even the driver must have his ID. People must work with the defense forces and each must resolutely be of help," said Bakari Midjiyawa, the governor of the Far North region at a press conference.

With these measures, we must include the closure of drinking bars where people consume Bili-Bili (local drink) and supermarkets by 18h (6:00pm). These outlets are the main source of income for many families in this part of the country. The ban could frustrate people and shake their collaboration with authorities.

Officially, this is not yet the state of emergency even though this looks like it. These measures are considered "ineffective", "inadequate" and "without reaching" against terrorists on Cameroon. Some stakeholders on television and radio shows, throughout the weekend, believe that the President must activate the constitutional levers or the state of emergency.

On the ground, security forces launched a large patrol around the whole of Maroua. In Djorengol and neighborhoods, hundreds of foreigners were arrested in denunciation.

Checks on persons and luggage were strengthened at travel stations and highways. Everyone seem to be termed as suspicious due to these Boko Haram attacks.