United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the deadly suicide bombing in Cameroon's Kouyape village Wednesday and called for a "comprehensive approach" to preventing terrorism.
Wednesday's blast at a mosque killed at least 13 people including the bomber. The region's governor, Midjiyawa Bakari, told the French news agency that the mosque itself was "virtually reduced to ashes." He said he has asked the locals not to let down their guard against such attacks.
In a statement late Wednesday, Ban said the international community needs a comprehensive approach to preventing and countering the "scourge of terrorism" and addressing its root causes. He said such efforts must be made in compliance with international humanitarian, human rights, and refugee law.
There has been no official claim of responsibility, but the early-morning incident took place near the border with Nigeria, in an area often targeted by the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram.
The extremist group has waged a battle for an Islamic state in northeastern Nigeria since 2009 and staged attacks in Cameroon for the past three years.
Cameroon is one of five African nations, including Nigeria, that has set up a joint task force to combat the group.
In October, the United States sent about 300 military personnel to Cameroon to assist with the fight.
