The concept of Christians and Muslims working hand-in-hand to protect each other against terrorism isn’t a new phenomenon. In places like Egypt and in France, this is a common theme. However, in Northern Cameroon, one of the places where the terrorist group Boko-Haram has decided to hold sway, this is a testing of the waters and a definite move at solidarity and togetherness between both religions.
Faced with the threat of the Islamist group – Boko-Haram, the Christians and Muslims in Northern Cameroon have each other’s backs. On Fridays, Christians protect the Muslims and during Sunday services, Muslims return the favor. As the praying people in both religions may not be able to see an oncoming onslaught by the dreaded group, there is now a sense of safety as there’s a literal wall-of-defense around their praying/service centers.
Boko-Haram is known for its unscrupulous savagery towards both religions despite claims of be Islamic. They attack both churches and mosques and as praying people may not be able to pay attention to outside influence, they’re more open to attack.
Cameroon has set up volunteer vigilante committees to patrol the villages and the capital city, Yaoundé, and the possibility of terrorists running into armed patrols is more real than before.
The vigilance committees have been tested and found to have worked in Egypt, France, and in Norway, and the central African country is running its own testing to find out their effectiveness.
Image Credit: Wilhei via Pixabay
