The United States reaffirms its support to Cameroon

General Bolduc, Commander of special operations in Africa for the United States, in the company of the Ambassador of the United States to Cameroon, H.E. Michael Stephen Hoza, has reaffirmed his country's support to Cameroon as part of the strategic partnership to combat the terrorist group, Boko Haram.

This was during a hearing granted by the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, at the Unity Palace on Monday, July 20, 2015.

Specifically, America’s support will focus on the reinforcement of Cameroon’s defense and security forces so as to better their strategy based on the new orientation of the conflict. Commander Bolduc also revealed that America will supply the defence forces with military equipment and advanced monitoring and intelligence on enemy troop movements.

At a press conference after the meeting, Ambassador Michael Stephen Hoza said that "the war against Boko Haram is serious. It is a menace and a tragedy for the region and the Cameroonian population. We are here to help the fight against Boko Haram and ensure security for the Cameroonian people".

In February 2015, the United States had already supported Cameroon in the war against Boko Haram, which has been ongoing for over a year, by offering materials to the defence forces engaged in the fight at the far north of the country. It included 850 heavy helmets and 850 body armor which had been handed over at the airbase 201 Douala by the consul, John Taylor.

Military co-operation between Cameroon and the United States is very strong. The American general, David M. Rodriguez, Commander of the USA command for Africa (Africom) had already assured the head of State about Washington’s commitment in supporting Cameroon in the fight against terrorism at a hearing at the Unity Palace on December 10, 2014.

The United States counted Boko Haram on the list of foreign terrorist organizations. They have offered 7 million dollars (4,240 billion CFA francs) ransom for capturing Abubakar Shekau, the head of the terrorist sect to face justice according to sources close to the US Embassy in Yaoundé.