The National President of the National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP) party held a press conference yesterday, January 20, 2015 in Yaounde.

The National Union for Democracy and Progress, NUDP, party has emphatically condemned attacks perpetrated by the Nigeria-based Islamist sect, Boko Haram on Cameroonian soil and urged Cameroonians to stand behind the Head of State, President Paul Biya and the Armed Forces to protect Cameroon’s territorial integrity.

Speaking to the press yesterday, January 20, 2015, in Yaounde, NUDP’s National President and Minister of State, Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Bello Bouba Maïgari, said the terrorist organisation wants to use religion to sow terror in the country, indirectly declaring war against Cameroon. For the past two years, he recounted, Boko Haram has carried out kidnappings and obstructed several development projects.

“Recently, we even saw an open declaration by the leader of this sect against the democratic choices made by our country,” he said. The declarations, he affirmed, pushed the Head of State, President Paul Biya, to act in concert with other leaders in order to put an end to the threat. Thus, Bello Bouba said all Cameroonians must rise up beyond partisan lines and unite to say no to such terrorist activities and anti-religious propaganda from Boko Haram. “Islam preaches peace, harmonious cohabitation and the search of knowledge everywhere. The sect uses mystification to send youths for sacrifice which is unacceptable to any citizen or democrat,” he argued.

The NUDP Chairman lauded President Paul Biya for spending long months to reorganise the Armed Forces to prepare them to defend the territorial integrity of Cameroon as well as consolidate peace. He equally praised the bravery, determination and commitment of the Armed Forces in defending the country, its citizens and their property. “We appreciate the offers of assistance and cooperation of friends of Cameroon and brotherly nations for it is timely for the entire sub-region to rise up and bar the way to the sect,” he said.

Bello Bouba Maïgari equally saw the need for the recently-promulgated law against terrorism, saying a legal framework was needed to prevent the activities of those who want to facilitate the propagation of terror.

Speaking about his party, he said NUDP had neither gone to sleep nor was dominated by its ally, the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM. He showcased the 15 municipal councils and several parliamentary seats won after the 2013 twin elections. Besides, he held, the party participates in several defence and development projects undertaken in the country.