Cameroon bans burqa after Boko Haram attacks

Burqa, a regalia worn by Muslim women, has been banned in the far north of Cameroon following attacks by two women dressed in the garments.

The women suspected to be Boko Haram insurgents blew themselves up in Fotokol, a town in the region, last week, killing at least 12 people.

Midjiyawa Bakari, governor of the far north region, based the decision of outlawing the attire on the security situation.

“I took this measure because of the security situation prevailing in the region,” he said.

Boko Haram, which launched offensive attacks in north-eastern Nigeria six years ago, has also stepped up attacks in neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

The strikes against the countries are seen as Boko Haram’s revenge on a regional military force that they are part of.

Chad has also banned burqas in a bid to stop bombers concealing explosives beneath them.