Boko Haram threat harms Cameroon, Nigeria border trade

Fear of the Boko Haram is leading to higher commodity prices in border towns between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Increased security measures are slowing the import of goods from Nigeria, Deutsche Welle reports.
In Cameroon, the end of the year is usually marked with eating, dancing and the exchange of gifts. But this time, things are different for Cameroonians living near the Nigerian border.
The supply of basic commodities has slowed down as a result of strict border surveillance by Cameroonian authorities following reports that Boko Haram was recruiting new members from northern Cameroon.
As a result, prices have shot up, some by as much as 70 per cent.
“A litre of palm oil, which used to sell for 1,100 francs ($12.2, 1.7 euros) now sells for 1,400 francs,” a man told DW.
For a country where more than half of the population live in poverty (on less than $1.25 a day), the increase in the price of palm oil is staggering.
The price of palm oil has shot up as a result of the heightened border security.
More than 80 per cent of basic commodities are usually imported through Nigeria.
Now, as a result of the increased border monitoring, traders no longer have easy access to both countries.
Some on the Camerooon side of the border say they are no longer ready to buy from Nigeria.
“Going there means being in danger. You know Boko Haram members don’t know how to distinguish between the persons they want to kill. You can go there and be a victim,” a trader in the border town Limani told DW.
To counter the problem, the authorities say they have imported large amount of food items to meet the needs of the population in areas where shortages are being felt most strongly.
According to the Cameroonian Minister of Trade, Mbarga Atangana, the government’s efforts are showing success.
“The prices are fair and goods are available on the market,” he said.
But the people on the street do not agree. They say that they have to line up for basic commodities because the supply is not enough to satisfy demand. Also, rations are being put in place.
Meanwhile, Governor Kashim Shettima on Thursday renewed calls on the Boko Haram to end its violence and embrace dialogue with the government.
Shettima made the call when he spoke with newsmen after presenting N184bn for the 2013 fiscal year to the state’s House of Assembly in Maiduguri.
He pointed out that the violent campaign by the sect had destroyed social and economic activities in the state.
The governor, who wept openly, said the violence had affected government’s plans to develop the state.
He said, “Without peace, we cannot achieve much in our desire to implement development projects in the state.
“I call on my brothers and sisters in the Ja’atul Ahlis Sunna wal’ Da awati to please lay down their arms and dialogue with the government for peace,’’ he pleaded.
The state’s 2013 budget is made up of N132bn capital and N52bn recurrent expenditures.
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