Upon the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the Far-North region, the Cameroonian government has announced the deployment of a set of countermeasures. The Minister of Defense (Mindef), Joseph Beti Assomo (pictured), said a particular focus will be on increasing the security system.

"Despite the sustained and combined efforts of the defense and security forces, as well as the support from the population through vigilance committees, the damage recorded recently calls for a strengthening of security systems on the ground and increased vigilance," the official said during the special security assessment meeting he chaired last April 24 in Yaoundé.

While authorities believed they had brought the situation under control, Boko Haram continues to threaten the population of the Far North. The terrorist group has increased its attacks in recent weeks. The most recent was the assault on the village of Zelevet on April 17. Gunmen attacked a post held by the Motorized Infantry Brigade (BIM) and burned several houses and granaries. One soldier was killed and seven other people were injured, including an 18-year-old civilian. Recent incursions by Boko Haram have resulted in further displacement of populations, particularly in the Mayo-Tsanaga department. The defense minister however called on the population to remain calm, assuring that the defense forces are doing their job "to effectively reduce the enemy’s action”.

The 24 April meeting was convened to make an overall assessment of the security situation in the country, ahead of the National Day on May 20. The objective was to define the necessary measures to ensure that this event takes place without incident, especially in the North-West and South-West regions.

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