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Cameroon: Boko Haram's violence reaches Christians in Cameroon


A Nigerian bishop has claimed that more than 100,000 people have been driven out of their homes as a result of a rise in attacks on Christians by Islamist terror group Boko Haram. Bishop Bruno Ateba of Maroua-Mokolo Diocese told Aid to the Church in Need that about 50,000 Cameroonians have been made refugees within their own country.

Sandwiched between Nigeria and the Central African Republic - two of the major crisis regions in central and western Africa - Cameroon has experienced an onslaught of violence from Boko Haram.

In July, suicide bombings in Maroua, the capital of the Far North Region of Cameroon, killed more than 30 people and injured hundreds more. The attacks were reported to have been carried out by two young girls, forced by Boko Haram to conceal a bomb under their burkas and detonate their weapons in public places.

In a letter sent in August to all the faithful of his diocese, Bishop Bruno called them to pray and be watchful. He added: "It is important for our own security that we work together with the state authorities. Anybody who comes across individuals who appear unfamiliar to him needs to be on his guard."

The bishop also said it was easy for terrorists to enter the country since the border between Nigeria and Cameroon is open in many places.

The increased attacks have resulted in an exodus of people from parts of Cameroon and surrounding countries. More than 52,600 people, mostly refugees from the crisis in Nigeria, are living in the Minawao refugee camp, around 25 miles from Maroua. Northern Cameroon is heavily dependent on tourism - but tourists are no longer visiting the area because of the conflict.

The bishop described life in Cameroon as having reached a standstill since tourism declined. In an appeal to international governments, Bishop Bruno said: "Help us to achieve peace. Without peace we can do nothing. The international community has all the resources to put an end to the terrorism of Boko Haram."

In Cameroon 70 percent of its 20 million citizens are Christians - and the bishop said inter-faith dialogue was key to creating harmony between Muslims and Christians in the country. During 2014, ACN provided more than £825,000 for pastoral work in Cameroon.

Projects by the charity include the construction of a multi-purpose hall close to the refugee camp in Minawao, where the Catholic refugees from the camp can meet together to pray and attend Mass. The construction of a Catholic cathedral in Maroua is also underway.

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