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Chadian parliament approves sending troops to Cameroon, Nigeria

Xinhua, January 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Chadian National Assembly approved on Friday the government's motion of sending troops to Cameroon and Nigeria to fight Boko Haram militants.

The National Assembly convened a special session to give authorization to the government. The decision comes after a visit of Cameroonian delegation led by Defense Minister Alain Edgar Mebe Ngo'o and an emissary of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday.

In a statement Thursday, Cameroonian President Paul Biya hailed "a warm gesture of brotherhood and solidarity that is part of the ongoing commitment of the two heads of state for stability, peace and security of their countries and their people."

Chad had proposed an "active support" in Cameroon to fight against Boko Haram and urged the international community to "take concrete and consistent action in favor of Cameroon and all the states along the Lake Chad, in order to eradicate the scourge of Boko Haram," according to an official statement released Wednesday.

In recent months, Boko Haram has attacked vast territory in northern Nigeria, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and take refuge in neighboring Chad.

The Boko Haram militants have extended their attacks in the Far- North Region of Cameroon, laying explosives, attacking military bases and public transport vehicles, burning villages and pillaging properties of villagers.

"Faced with this situation that seriously threatens the security and stability of Chad and infringes its vital interests," the Chadian government said, adding it "cannot sit idly." Endi