Cameroon remains committed to anti-Boko Haram combat - Biya

Cameroon’s President Paul Biya who ended a two day visit to Nigeria denied media reports that his country wanted to withdraw from the fight against Boko Haram.

“Cameroon had never been reluctant or had any time to withdraw from the fight against Boko Haram. If we do that, what will we benefit? It was bad media coverage to say that, so I reaffirm that Cameroon remains committed in the fight against Boko Haram,” President Biya said.

The presidents of Nigeria and Cameroon during a meeting in Abuja, agreed to strengthen relationship between the two countries.

#Cameroon-Nigeria: Excellent relations. Working together to develop the 2 countries: https://t.co/PbvgwhKvws pic.twitter.com/FPmupaywWh

— President Paul Biya (@PR_Paul_Biya) May 3, 2016

The Presidents said they remained committed in the fight against Islamist militant group, Boko Haram. The terrorist group has sworn allegiance to the Islamic State (IS), Reuters reports.

Boko Haram’s six-year insurgency to set up an caliphate in the north of Nigeria has displaced more than 2 million people and killed thousands.

Nigeria’s president thanked international forces in helping the country fight the terrorist group.

“We thank other members of the multinational joint task force for occasionally coming into our own territory and securing it for us from Boko Haram terrorists. We have a single objective of securing our country and securing our region,” Buhari said.

The group has stepped up cross-border attacks and suicide bombings in markets, bus stations and places of worship.

Amnesty International estimates about 2,000 girls and boys have been abducted by the Boko Haram since 2014, with many used as sex slaves, fighters and even suicide bombers.

Also speaking on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgement on Bakassi Peninsula, president Buhari said Nigeria would abide by the judgement.

He reiterated that Nigeria government would react to the maritime issue after a joint committee of Nigeria and Cameroon experts submits its report.

“On this issue, I want to tell the people of Cameroon to keep their mind at peace.
Nigeria is an internationally respectful and law-abiding nation,’’ Buhari said.

He said the country has accepted the judgement, adding that the technical aspect of the International waters is yet to be fully determined.