Connect with us

World

Thousands of Cameroonians fled to Chad over deadly clashes between herders and fishing communities

Published

on

Thousands of Cameroonians fled to Chad over deadly clashes between herders and fishing communities

Thousands of Cameroonians fled to Chad over deadly clashes between herders and fishing communities

Tens of thousands of Cameroonians have fled to Chad to escape deadly clashes between herding and fishing communities in the north of the country.

Reports said at least 20 people were killed and more than 50 injured and wounded in the fighting that began on Tuesday last week.

The fighting started in Cameroon when Mousgoum fishermen dug holes in the ground to divert water to help them to catch fish in an area where ethnic Arab Choa herders also took their cattle for watering, according to regional governor Midjiyawa Bakari, adding that a “trivial issue” had degenerated into a deadly battle in the Logone and Chari division of the region that bordered Chad and Nigeria.

Gayang Souare, the governor of Chari Baguirmi province in northwestern Chad, told Reuters that the refugees arrived with almost nothing. “They don’t have bedding, a change of clothes or food.”

“There are wounded among them who require immediate medical care and children who are without their parents,” said Souare.

He said officials in Oundouma were struggling to take care of the refugees because their services were “overwhelmed”.

Iris Blom, the United Nations refugee agency’s deputy director in Chad, confirmed this, saying there were pressing needs for health services, shelter and food.

She said 85 percent of the refugees who fled to Oundouma, south of the Chadian capital N’Djamena, were women, children and the elderly.

Souare said some of the refugees were placed with families, while others were lodged in schools and churches, AFP reported.

RFI said the volatile far north region of Cameroon was where the army had been battling against attacks by members of the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS), more commonly referred to as Boko Haram, and fighters linked to the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) armed group.

Local officials told Reuters that the violence had been heightened because residents had bought weapons to defend themselves against the extremist groups, meaning more people in the area owned firearms.

Souare told RNI: “We have brought in all the traditional chiefs, religious leaders, rulers of the Mousgoum and the Arab Choa to advocate conciliation so that they can live together peacefully. They have signed an appeasement agreement and made a commitment before God and the nation to spread awareness among their people so that such terrible violence does not happen again.”

Read Also: Niger Tornadoes And DMD Pick Tickets For NNL Super Eight.

A resident of the town of Kousseri, who asked to remain anonymous, told RNI: “I do not believe that the authorities realised at first how serious the matter was. I do not think they reacted promptly enough and only did so when the already volatile situation worsened. If their reactions had been more prompt, they might have averted the problem and there would not have been so many victims.”

He believed the two ethnic groups would observe the calm but said the crisis was deep. In the Lake Chad basin the problem of access to natural resources, such as land, rivers, pastures, mining and fishing areas, often led to tension between communities.

“The authorities have to put in place conflict resolution mechanisms to stop this violence,” he said.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto

Published

on

Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto

By: Zagazola Makama

A bandit attack on Tungar Dada Village in the Moriki District of Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto on April 13, 2025, has left one person dead and 50 others abducted.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 0400hrs, when a group of armed bandits stormed the village, shooting and killing one individual while abducting 50 villagers to an unknown destination.

Security officials have confirmed the death and are actively pursuing leads to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the suspects.

Armed Bandits Kill One, Abduct 50 in Tungar Dada Village Attack in Sokoto

Continue Reading

News

Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

Published

on

Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

Republic of Korea has called for enhanced cultural exchange with Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of cross-fertilization to bolster diplomatic relations and share mutual experiences.

Making the call at the weekend in Abuja at the second edition of the Hansik Contest, the Director, Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Kim Changki, said his country is willing to build on the already existing cultural relationship with Nigeria.

On the cooking competition, he said the primary goal is to foster social and cultural interaction between Nigeria and Korea.

He noted that this year’s contest was better organized and well attended than the first one held last year, disclosing that this will mark his final event as the director of the Korean Centre, which tenure conclude in May.

He said: “Nigerians have a deep appreciation for Korean Pop and Korean cuisine, and this concert serves as a celebration of culture through various artistic expressions. The winner of the contest will receive a prize of N1 million along with a trip to Korea.”

The culture and events officer, Yunijin Lee, on her part, emphasized that the contest has received sponsorship from Korean food institutions (KFPI) and is specifically designed to bring the vibrant experiences of Korean culture and cuisine to Nigerians.

She also highlighted that the selection process for the winner was both thorough and impartial, stating, “The judging panel consists of Korean individuals, including the ambassador, director, and the embassy chef, who worked alongside a Nigerian chef to ensure fairness in the selection of the winner.”

The contest attracted a diverse group of 40 participants, all eager to showcase their culinary talents and knowledge of Korean cuisine. After a series of intense competitions and eliminations, the field narrowed down to 12 finalists.

Among them, Patience Vincent secured an impressive third place, while Ruth Igbayiola Olowo took home the second prize. The top prize of N1 million and a trip to Seoul, Korea went to Deborah Olabelurin, who impressed the judges with her exceptional skills and creativity in preparing Korean dishes.

The event was well attended by a vibrant audience, including enthusiasts of Korean cuisine and fans of Korean pop culture, creating a lively atmosphere filled with excitement. Attendees were treated to a rich variety of traditional Korean foods, which were beautifully presented, showcasing the intricate flavors and techniques of Korean culinary art.

Additionally, the event featured captivating dance performances set to popular Korean pop songs, further enriching the cultural experience and demonstrating the deep connections between the two countries.

The jubilant winner of the contest Deborah Olabelurin, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Korean Culture Center for organizing such a transformative event.

She expressed excitement about her upcoming trip to Korea, where she looks forward to immersing herself in the local culture and cuisine and how this incredible opportunity will play a crucial role in advancing her career as a chef.

Korea Seeks Improved Cultural Exchange with Nigeria

Continue Reading

News

Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Published

on

Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

By: Zagazola Makama

Russia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his counterparts from the three Sahel states in Moscow. The high-level meeting signals deepening cooperation in security, economic development, and diplomatic coordination, amid shifting global alliances and the growing influence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The discussions, held in a quadrilateral format for the first time, focused on enhancing military collaboration, investment opportunities, and regional security strategies. Lavrov welcomed the delegation, emphasizing Russia’s support for the sovereignty of the three nations as they seek to assert independence in their policymaking and security frameworks.

“We appreciate the determination of your countries to build a new regional security architecture based on your own strengths while remaining open to mutually beneficial cooperation,” Lavrov said. He commended the “dynamic integration” efforts within the AES and highlighted ongoing projects in trade, finance, infrastructure, and human resource development.

The visit comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and the Sahel states’ increasing shift away from Western partnerships. Following military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the three countries have strengthened ties with Russia, particularly in military cooperation and counterterrorism efforts. They have also distanced themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), forming the AES as a regional bloc focused on collective security and economic cooperation.

Lavrov noted that Russia is ready to support the AES beyond bilateral engagements, stating that collaboration would extend to international platforms, including the Russia-Africa Forum. The next ministerial meeting of the forum is expected to take place in Africa later this year, ahead of the 2026 Russia-Africa Summit.

In his remarks, Mali’s Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Russia, underscoring the importance of strategic alliances in addressing security and development challenges.

The meeting marks a new phase in Russia’s engagement with Africa, particularly in regions seeking alternative partnerships. As the global political landscape evolves, the AES-Russia partnership is expected to influence security dynamics and economic cooperation in the Sahel and beyond.

Russia Strengthens Strategic Ties with Sahel States Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights