Summary
A confidential 2014 analysis on the implications of Boko Haram’s attacks on Cameroon. The Cameroonian Minister of Communication confirmed simultaneous attacks targeting the residence of the Vice Prime Minister. Boko Haram is intensifying its actions, threatening Cameroon’s stability despite military responses and condemnations. Observers highlight Boko Haram’s expansion strategy and mention conspiracy theories.
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Kingdom of Morocco
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
CONFIDENTIAL
To: The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation
Rabat
Main Recipients: CAB/1 – CAB/2 – SG/4 – DG7/3
Subject: Issues Surrounding Boko Haram’s New Attacks on Cameroon
I have the honor of informing you that the Cameroonian Minister of Communication confirmed yesterday two simultaneous attacks attributed to the Nigerian sect Boko Haram. These attacks, which took place on the morning of Sunday, July 27, 2014, targeted the local residence of Mr. Amadou Ali, the Vice Prime Minister in charge of relations with Parliament, who has been involved in resolving several kidnappings in the northern part of the country. The residence, located in Folokata, a border town with Nigeria, was attacked by numerous assailants armed with sophisticated weaponry, including rockets.
This attack, described by the Minister of Communication as brutal and of unspeakable violence, resulted in a provisional death toll of 14 people, including the Vice Prime Minister’s younger brother (the Vice Prime Minister himself was not home at the time of the attack, despite being the main target). Additionally, 17 people were kidnapped, including his wife, the town’s mayor, his family, and several gendarmes.
The lack of communication from the Cameroonian government on this matter has led to contradictory information. Some media outlets reported that the hostages were released within 24 hours of their capture. However, other sources close to the Vice Prime Minister confirmed that the kidnappings were still ongoing. These sources suggest that the dissemination of such information is part of internal power struggles among Cameroonian officials, aiming to discredit Mr. Amadou Ali by portraying him as having ties to Boko Haram. Similar accusations had previously circulated in certain media outlets.
Boko Haram’s escalating attacks, which threaten Cameroon’s stability, have intensified in recent weeks, causing numerous civilian and military casualties, kidnappings, and seizures of weapons. The Cameroonian army, which initially inflicted significant defeats on Boko Haram, is now facing terrorists who have since strengthened their military arsenal and personnel.
This escalation follows President Paul Biya’s declaration of war against Boko Haram, which was backed by increased military deployment in the country’s north and the arrests of sect supporters. Last month, 14 individuals were sentenced to heavy prison terms ranging from 10 to 20 years by a military tribunal for acts of terrorism and affiliation with Boko Haram.
These attacks are also seen as a response to the decision made on July 23 by four African states—Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon—to create a joint force to combat Boko Haram, which is considered a growing threat to the region.
Cameroonian Observers’ Analysis
According to Cameroonian security observers, these attacks aim to:
Warn Cameroon about the consequences of its war against Boko Haram.
Demonstrate the group’s striking power, capable of targeting political and administrative symbols of the state (as seen in the targeting of the Vice Prime Minister’s residence and the town’s mayor).
Spread fear, panic, and insecurity in the northern region, where Muslims and Christians coexist, in an effort to push populations southward. This would allow Boko Haram to consolidate control over the north. Some observers note that Boko Haram has already taken control of certain border areas between Cameroon and Chad.
This situation has drawn comparisons to Algeria’s war against Islamist terrorists, which eventually forced their displacement to Mali, and to Nigeria’s potential strategy of pushing Boko Haram beyond its borders, particularly into northern Cameroon.
Some analysts believe that Boko Haram, in connection with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), aims to expand its sphere of influence and domination after solidifying its stronghold in Nigeria. Unofficial sources estimate that there are around 2,500 Cameroonian members of Boko Haram. The risk of them becoming active in northern Cameroon could pose a severe threat to the country. Boko Haram has long considered this border region a safe haven, a prime location for kidnapping foreigners, and a critical hub for arms and explosives trafficking.
Additionally, conspiracy theories alleging external interference, particularly from France, are gaining traction in Cameroon. Some private media outlets and political figures from various backgrounds claim that the instability in the north is partly driven by French interests in the region’s underground resources.
Cameroon, through its Minister of Communication, has asserted that it will draw the necessary conclusions from these acts of gratuitous violence. The government remains committed to defending its territorial integrity, protecting its citizens, and ensuring peace and stability throughout the country.
France has condemned these terrorist attacks, expressed condolences to the victims’ families, and assured the Cameroonian authorities of its solidarity in combating terrorism while upholding human rights. France has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting counterterrorism efforts.
The celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, was overshadowed by widespread condemnation of Boko Haram’s repeated attacks and renewed calls for peace and stability in Cameroon.
Source:
#Cameroun #BokoHaram #PaulBiya #France