CNA Small Group Discussion: Aiding Cameroon’s Effort to Counter Boko Haram

On Wednesday, February 18, 2015, CNA convened a small group meeting to discuss Cameroon’s efforts to counter the revolutionary insurgent group Boko Haram and what the United States can do to aid these efforts. Participants included key stakeholders from United States government (USG) agencies, think tanks, and international agencies. The meeting was held under the Chatham House rule of non-attribution to allow for a candid discussion among participants.

As the group Boko Haram continues to wreak havoc inside Nigeria, it has also been launching attacks and raids into neighboring countries, Cameroon chief among them. Cameroon has been increasingly drawn into the conflict and in 2014 deployed troops to its north to protect its border region. However, this action alone has not quelled the threat of Boko Haram to Cameroon, and the United States has found itself devoting more time and resources to assist in countering this group. The purpose of this small group meeting was to explore further avenues of U.S. support to Cameroon for countering Boko Haram.