Hundreds of people gathered for an anti-Boko Haram march in Chad’s capital N’djamena on Saturday (January 17) to support the government’s decision to send troops to Cameroon.
Chad said on Thursday (January 15) it would send a large number of troops to its southern neighbour to help fight increasing incursions from the Islamist militants attacking from Nigeria.
Protesters holding banners reading “Stop Boko H” marched against the ongoing violence of the militant group, that has prompted thousands of refugees to seek shelter in Chad.
Government officials told crowds they would use all force necessary to protectChad’s interests.
“The purpose of the march this morning? It’s a warning to Boko Haram. It’s a warning to Boko Haram that this force will protect our vital interests, protect our economy, protect Chad’s security,” said the country’s prime minister, Kalzeubet Pahimi Deubet.
Chad’s offer came days after an appeal by Cameroon’s President Paul Biya for international military help to fight the Islamist militant group that has seized swathes of northern Nigeria and is threatening neighbours who share borders with the northeastern zones occupied by Boko Haram.
“We don’t want any more terrorists in the sub-region. We are determined, more than determined, to drive terrorists out of the African continent entirely. Because it’s not possible that one of our neighbouring countries burns, that they (Boko Haram) kill children, women and old people, that they raze entire villages. That’s not possible. We will fight it,” said communications minister, Hassan Sylla Bakari.
Chad has a reputation for one of the region’s best militaries and helped French forces drive al Qaeda-linked Islamists from northern Mali in 2013.
Bakari said his government was determined in their mission.
“You know we’re a people who went through many wars and we have a lot of experience in warfare. And because we know the price you pay for peace, that’s why we can’t let this happen. It happened to other people. So this march is to show that we’ve had enough. Enough with all the acts of violence and terrorism,” said the minister.
Boko Haram aims to carve out an Islamist state in northern Nigeria and has stepped up attacks in the region.
The group has carried out violent attacks and raids across the border in northern Cameroon, prompting the country’s government to deploy thousands of troops including special forces.
N’djamena resident said it was a worrying development.
“I think that what happens to your neighbour can happen to you too. And the cause that your neighbour is fighting for is your cause. And with God’s help we’ll deploy our forces and we will succeed,” said shopkeeper Abdallah Djibrine.
“They don’t want peace, they don’t want anything. They’re just hurting children and old people and that’s what we don’t like,” he added.
Boko Haram is seen as the most serious security threat in the region with thousands brutally murdered in their ongoing campaign for an Islamic state.
Reuters
