Trade Picks Up on Cameroon-Nigeria Border, Despite Boko Haram

AMCHIDE, CAMEROON - Officials in Cameroon and Nigeria say economic activity has gradually resumed along their border, despite the continued presence of the terrorist group Boko Haram.  Markets have re-opened and border merchants say traveling near the border is safer thanks to a heavy presence of troops.

Gasoline seller Oumarou Fouman, 40, said life is gradually returning to the town of Amchide on Cameroon’s northern border with Nigeria. He said many merchants have been crossing into Cameroon from Nigeria with electronic appliances, auto parts and food to sell. Fouman said he is one of eight men who have resumed buying gasoline from Nigeria and selling it in Cameroon. He said before he crosses over from Cameroon, he calls his suppliers in the Nigerian town of Banki to find out if it is safe to travel. Seini Lamin Boukar is the traditional ruler and mayor of Kolofata, a Cameroonian town on the border with Nigeria. Boukar and five of his family members were abducted by Boko Haram fighters in 2014 and released after a week.