Cameroon Government to set up local arms producing factory

The government of Cameroon is working on developing a local arms production factory, a report from the National Institute of Statistics (NIS), has revealed.

According to the report, the goal “is to reduce dependence on the import of war arsenal”.

In the report detailing Cameroon’s military expenditure, NIS said the government spent 5.5 billion on the importation of arms in 2023, tripling from 1.7 billion in 2022.

“In 2023, Cameroon imported 674.5 metric tonnes of weapons, ammunition, and accessories compared to 475 metric tonnes in 2022, marking a 42% increase in volume,” the report said.

However, the report fails to advance reasons for the increase in arms importation by the government.

The arms suppliers have not also been mentioned in the report.

Analysts say the increment in arms purchases by the Cameroon government is not unconnected to the armed conflicts facing the country on multiple fronts.

Cameroon has been engaged in a war against armed separatists in Anglophone regions since 2017.

Government forces have incurred huge material and human damage in the war, which has seen separatists acquire more arms by ambushing military posts and personnel, carting weapons away as the conflict persists.

On the other hand, the country, in partnership with neighbouring countries, is engaged in a fight against a Nigeria-based terrorist sect, Boko Haram, which has been launching attacks in Cameroon’s Far North region.

It is worth recalling that Joseph Beti Assomo, Minister Delegate at the Presidency in Charge of Defence, revealed in 2023 while addressing Parliament, that, “In partnership with Turkey, the government plans to build a munition production plan in Garoua, North Region.”

©Mimi Mefo Info