Terrorism: Traditional chiefs warned

The governor of the Far North region has warned traditional rulers who collaborate mildly or pretend to cooperate in the fight against crime and terrorism.

Midjiwa Bakari announced that henceforth, auxiliaries of the administration will be evaluated in terms of results in the fight against terrorism.

The security meeting which was held with the leaders of the region was transformed into a regional security forum. Administrative, military, municipal, traditional and religious leaders, leaders of political parties, parliamentarians, local elected officials, economic operators, members of civil society, youth organizations and women leaders all met around the table to share opinions on strategies to fight against the attacks of the terrorist sect Boko Haram.

In the frank and sometimes heated exchanges, the sale of Cameroonian nationality identification, complacency and corruption at roadside checks were discussed.

The complicity between the followers of the Boko Haram sect and some fishermen in troubled waters, the behavior of some refugees and their management on Cameroonian territory, the sale of land to foreigners, business woven around the release of hostages were also in the focus of the participants.

Before the end of the meeting, the leaders of the region committed themselves to act in close order to rid the area of the terrorist. Thus, each mayor must establish pass on all security cases to the municipal police responsible for ensuring safety in public spaces.

Traditional leaders must revitalize and redeploy vigilance in committees in their territories. They are also responsible for the documentation of foreigners living in their territories.

Religious ministers are encouraged to educate their followers on security measures and create vigilance committees in their places of worship.

The leaders of Koranic schools will be identified and the contents of their teachings will be scrutinized.

Travel agencies need to ensure the installation of metal detectors and a video-surveillance system. Gone are also the administrative tolerance applied to illegal traders and all passengers must be registered with their national identity cards.