Security Hurdles: A Constant Preoccupation

An exhaustive state-of-the Nation’s address made on 31 December, 2024 by President Paul Biya highlighted the major concerns that the people face. Top among which is the issue of security that is gaining grounds in both the urban and rural milieus. Bringing the problem to the fore was not to say it is beyond the power of the State. Rather, it was to tell the population that measures are being put in place to tackle the situation head-on. It was also in a sense, making the people aware that what they see as growing challenges are being handled appropriately irrespective of the increasing menace.
Of late, there has been wanton cases of assault, assassinations, murder and other such malicious acts especially in the urban areas largely due to the demographic pressure and the recent feel-good effects that the increase in cocoa prices brought in some parts of the country. Instead, the high prices have brought sleepless nights to some hardworking population that saw hoodlums target their produce to make quick gains from the sweat of others even at the expense of the lives of those who toil in the farms to produce the cocoa.     
These have just been the tip of the iceberg. Armed groups and extremist attacks in the past few years have unleashed havoc in localities like the Far North, South West and North West Regions. Seeing that the defence forces kept getting a step ahead of them each time they tried to climb in their game, the evil forces have systematically diverted their attention to the helpless population in an attempt to foster an agenda that few persons could understand. Given the synergy that the armed forces have created over the years with the population, ill-intentioned schemes have generally not prospered, leaving a scenario where those hunted by negative motives have been reduced to sporadic attacks on the population.     
Apart from the demographic growth and other accompanying challenges, other reasons could explain the security setbacks that have often kept the population uncomfortable during the past year. Least of which cannot be the need the have key infrastructure and social amenities. These are simply put, development needs that the population require from the State. Aware of those desires, the government also argues that there can be no progress in a state of anarchy. Creating situations that would divert attention from the genuine concerns of the people to go after criminals generally defeats the purpose of development. Thus, the accepted trend would be that everyone affected by any difficulty should channel their needs to the appropriate quarters and following the official procedure so that concrete answers can be provided.     
Having a collective effort around the need to restore security and ensure that lives and property are protected can be the best thing that has happened within the past years and which President Paul Biya took time to bring out in his message to the ...