Ahead of 53rd National Day : Security Situation Under Scrutiny

Some thirty-nine days to the commemoration of the 53rd National Day, the general security situation of the country has been evaluated, with the objective of ensuring hitch-free activities nationwide. The security evaluation meeting was chaired by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, on April 10, 2025 on the instructions of the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. 

National Overview
At the national level, Minister Joseph Beti Assomo noted that the current security situation is generally under control, though there are however some threats to peace and social tensions which are being exploited for political ends especially as the Presidential election draws closer. In the Far North Region, he noted the use of drones and other sophisticated weapons by Boko Haram terrorists, as was with the case of the unfortunate attack on March 25, 2025 on the Section I Command Post of the Multinational Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, leaving 12 soldiers dead. On the instructions of the President of the Republic, the Minister carried out a working visit to Mora and Maroua, with the message of condolence and encouragements from the high command. He also noted the deplorable attitude of some people who seem to be collaborating with the terrorists for whatever reason and thus, further complicating the situation in combating the armed groups. Minister Joseph Beti Assomo also mentioned the social tensions in the Mayo Kani Division last February, following the start of operations to demarcate the national parc in Guidiguis.  The North West and South West Regions, he stated, are experiencing improved security with authorities having noted with satisfaction the start of the 2024/2025 academic year, start of construction works on the ring-road, and the hitch-free celebration of events such as the Youth Day, International Women’s Day, Mount Cameroon Race of Hope and the Ramadan, all between January and April 2025. He stated that operations continue to ensure a return to normalcy and the visit of seven Ambassadors of the European Union countries to the North West last February, after which they globally appreciated the situation, equally attest to government’s determination of guaranteeing the safety of its people and property. Hostage-taking and the demand for ransom was m...