Boko Haram Is The Cause Of High Prices Of Food, Cameroonian Muslims Declare
Muslims in Cameroon are observing Ramadan in the face of serious price hikes for food due to border closures meant to protect against attacks from the Nigerian militant group, Boko Haram, according to Voice of America report.
It was gathered that Nigeria supplies up to 80% of food in North Cameroon.
According to the report, in the border town of Amchide, the normal bustling trade with Nigerian businesses is at a standstill.
Quoting a local Imam, Ibrahim Ahmadou, it was stated that Cameroon soldiers closed their border with Nigeria just ahead of the start of the Ramadan as a security measure against Boko Haram militants.
It could be recalled that the Nigerian terrorists have been plaguing some parts of Cameroon in recent months with theft, kidnappings, gun running and attacks.
* Security at Nigerian border with Cameroon
According to the Imam, the problem for his village is Nigeria is the main source of food and traders are nervous.
"Eighty percent of our rice is imported. It is very risky for a businessman to carry [import] rice knowing that there is going to be a problem. Even maize (corn), we also have oil, we have sugar, in fact all the food that Muslims need during the month of Ramadan there is a problem because of this barbaric act of Boko Haram, most businessmen do not want to come in," said Ahmadou.read more