Cameroon is enhancing its security presence in the Far North region by establishing a new elite Rapid Intervention Battalion, BIR Lake Chad, to counter the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks. Minister Delegate in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, and Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, announced the move after a security meeting in Maroua on September 29. The meeting followed a joint field mission to Waza in Logone-et-Chari, where they assessed the situation and delivered emergency assistance to displaced families.
The security meeting brought together administrative, security, and judicial authorities from across the region to discuss the deteriorating security situation and humanitarian consequences of the violence. The ministers identified Logone-et-Chari, Mayo-Sava, and Mayo-Tsanaga as the divisions most exposed to the Boko Haram threat. They emphasized the importance of coordinated action among defence and security forces deployed in the region.
The new BIR Lake Chad unit will comprise over 1,000 personnel, with approximately 800 already deployed in the area. Authorities have also requested land allocation in Waza for the construction of a military base. This formation aims to reinforce civilian protection and enhance Cameroon's ability to project security forces in communities vulnerable to attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups.
The announcement comes amid renewed displacement in parts of the Far North, with families fleeing violence and seeking refuge in already strained accommodation. Recent reports from Waza described the dire situation, with temporary sites and public buildings hosting displaced persons. The government has been providing humanitarian assistance, including food, essential items, and financial support, to affected families.
Minister Delegate in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, and Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, visited Waza on September 28 to assess the situation and deliver emergency assistance. The visit allowed them to hear directly from affected communities and evaluate the conditions of displaced persons. The humanitarian response is part of the government's ongoing efforts to support communities affected by Boko Haram attacks.
The humanitarian assistance, provided by President Paul Biya and his wife Chantal Biya, reached over 1,500 families, representing nearly 5,000 people affected by the recent violence. The government has been working to revive community vigilance committees, which have declined in recent months. These committees play a crucial role in providing intelligence to regular security forces.
The creation of the BIR Lake Chad unit and the government's humanitarian response demonstrate Cameroon's commitment to addressing the Boko Haram threat and supporting affected communities. The authorities have stressed the importance of coordinated action and community involvement in combating the insurgency. The new unit is expected to enhance the country's military response around the Lake Chad Basin.
Key points
- Cameroon to create a new elite BIR Lake Chad unit to combat Boko Haram
- The new unit will comprise over 1,000 personnel to reinforce civilian protection
- The government has provided humanitarian assistance to over 1,500 families affected by the violence
