Batallion d’Intervention Rapide
Captain Cameroun Graphical Training Materials
The Fund for Peace is an independent, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) non-profit research and educational organization that works to prevent violent conflict and promote sustainable security. We promote sustainable security through research, training and education, engagement of civil society, building bridges across diverse sectors, and developing innovative technologies and tools for policy makers. A leader in the conflict assessment and early warning field, the Fund for Peace focuses on the problems of weak and failing states. Our objective is to create practical tools and approaches for conflict mitigation that are useful to decision-makers. Copyright Š 2013 The Fund for Peace. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Fund for Peace.
Materials Written and Drawn by J. J. Messner
The Fund for Peace Publication FFP : SKEC1306 (Version 03A) Circulation: LIMITED The Fund for Peace 1720 I Street NW, 7 Washington, D.C. 20006 T: +1 202 223 7940 F: +1 202 223 7947 www.fundforpeace.org
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EPISODE
It is market day in the town of Boa. Women are selling plantains, bananas, cassava, oranges and maize. Fishermen have arrived from off the coast to sell their fish...
Good morning, sisters!
Good morning, Private Alpha! Hello handsome!
Thank you sisters!
‌ and meanwhile, some BIR combatants are walking through town
Private Alpha, would you care for an orange? Please, take one!
Hey, I want some too!
Man, I’m like the orange KING!
Psst! Did you see THAT? That Private Charlie is so rude!
C’mon, guys. We need to get back to barracks so we can be ready for the convoy back down to Idenau
The combatants assemble for their ramp brief from Lieutenant Bravo... ...and Private Alpha, you’ll be in the rear car. All clear?
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Be vigilant, but be professional at all times. Treat others on the road with respect.
And Private Charlie, tidy yourself up. You look disgraceful.
Mud on your shoes? Still wearing your T-shirt? YAWNING DURING MY BRIEFING!!! We are the elite forces of Cameroon! It’s about time you behaved like it!
The convoy is ready to leave Boa and drive to Idenau...
…with Private Charlie in the lead car...
…and Private Alpha in the rear car.
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What is he yelling about?
I don’t know. I can’t understand what he is saying.
Move out of the way, you fools! Can’t you see this is a convoy?
Maybe some water might get your attention!
What’s going on? What’s wrong sisters?
Perhaps you’ll get out of my way next time!
Your friend threw water on us! We were only minding our own business!
You BIR don’t own the road, you know!
Someone will slow you down one day. You can’t treat us like this! Sigh. Private Charlie will bring disrespect upon us all.
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The convoy arrives at the staging base in Idenau...
Yes, Alpha?
Why were those women back on the road so angry?
The women on the motorcycle. When I passed them, they were drenched and said that someone threw water on them.
What women? Where? I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Oh. THEM! Well they wouldn’t get out of my way. I had to show them who is boss!
They are our sisters, brother. They are just like you and me. Treating your brothers and sisters like that is disrespectful. Remember what Lt. Bravo said!
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We’re the BIR. We’re better than that.
Later in the day, the convoy begins a journey back to Boa
What are you people doing? Move out of the way!
We’ve stopped. I’d better go find out what is going on.
What is going on?
It’s those troublemakers from yesterday— they’re slowing us down AGAIN!
We want respect, Private Alpha— No one throwing water on us!
Brothers! Sisters!
As long as you go on disrespecting our wives, we are not letting you through! What is the matter? Why are you blocking the road?
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Look what you’ve done! This is what happens when you don’t show people the respect they deserve!
Ha! They should show ME some respect and get out of the way!
What do they want? What are their demands?
Sir, we have a problem. Some locals have blocked the road.
I’m on my way!
They just want respect, sir! Whaaaat? What happened, Alpha?
Two hours later, Lieutenant Bravo arrives at the blockade
They feel that we disrespected them. And that’s why they won’t let us pass. Your men, disrespecting us!
Good afternoon, brothers and sisters. What seems to be the problem? Yeah! They threw water on us just because we didn’t get out of “THEIR” way fast enough.
As a matter of fact, I GUARANTEE it!
If you disrespect our wives, how will our children be safe?
We do not wish to disrespect or harm you. You have my word that this will not happen again.
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Back in Boa, the combatants are debriefed...
What I saw out there today was a DISGRACE! The convoy was delayed for three hours and I had to come out and fix it. Private Charlie— Why did you throw water on those women? Sir, they wouldn’t get out of my way!
Exactly.
What did I say this morning about respect? Private Alpha— remind Private Charlie what I said.
That we should be professional at all times and treat other road-users with respect, sir.
When you disrespect your brothers and sisters, it turns them against us and makes it harder for us to do our job. Do you want to spend your days sitting at roadblocks?
Not to mention the shame that such behavior brings to the Battalion. We’re the elites—behave like it!
So should we just run them off the road next time?
Yes, sir.
You’ll never learn, will you Charlie? Do I make myself clear?
DISMISSED!
Private Alpha returns in Captain Cameroun and the Bandits
Publication SKECR1302-EN (03A). By J. J. Messner. Copyright © 2013 — The Fund for Peace. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Fund for Peace.
EPISODE
So brother, you ready to hit the convoy? I bet with those oil guys they gotta have a lot of cash on ’em.
Yes. We’ll hit ‘em on the next run they do to Idenau. Some men are drinking beers outside the local kiosk in Boa...
Another round of beers?
Yeah, another two 33 Exports. And keep some cold for us for when we get back. We’ll have a lot to drink to!
Great! What will you be drinking to?
We’re going to be rich, brother! We’re going to hit one of those convoys to Idenau. Those oil guys must have stacks of cash!
Later, Private Alpha drops by the kiosk...
Hello brother! How’s business?
Business is good, thank you. Are you about to head back to Idenau? Yes, I am. Why do you ask?
Can I trust you? Of course, brother!
Well, Private Alpha, I think you should take a different route to Idenau today
Two men were drinking here earlier. They think they’re going to get rich. They mentioned your convoy.
Now brother, why would you say that?
The combatants assemble for their ramp brief from Lieutenant Bravo...
And why is that, Private Alpha?
...and Private Alpha, you’ll be in the rear car. Any questions?
I heard a rumor in the village about bandits planning a hit
Sir, I think we should take another route today. And Private Charlie, what have I told you before? Tidy yourself up. You look disgraceful AGAIN!
You are a disgrace to that uniform! AND STOP YAWNING DURING MY BRIEFINGS!
Alright then. We’ll take the alternate route today. No need to take any risks.
The convoy leaves Boa, but takes an alternate route to Idenau...
...meanwhile, the bandits wait for them in vain
The convoy should be here by now! Where are they?
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Perhaps they were tipped off and they took another road...
The next day, the combatants are out on patrol in Boa...
...where fishermen are selling their freshly caught fish.
Keep one of those beers cold for me - I need one after a rough day on the water!
Brother, did you have a good catch today?
I will! Come and see me at the kiosk after market day!
Yes! It has been a great day on the water! We were very blessed today.
OOWWWWEEEE!
Oh, look at the pretty birdie!
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What is all that commotion?
Hey! You! You should be a bit more careful about who you run into.
Don’t you know who I am?
It was an accident, I’m sure! Anyway, you ran into me because you weren’t looking where you were going!
Show me some respect! I’m BIR and I’m the LAW around here!
That is outrageous! Who do those BIR think they are?
Oh, no!
Charlie is bringing shame upon us all!
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After their failed attempt on the convoy, the bandits are back in Boa...
I still don’t know who tipped off the BIR. But we’ll succeed this time. We’ll hit them on their alternate route.
Another round of beers! And have one yourself on us, because we’re going to be rich pretty soon!
Of course! And come back to see me when you're rich!
Later, the combatants are out on patrol in Boa...
Yes, brother. We’ll be buying lots more than beer soon, with all the money we’ll have!
Those men are clearly going to attack the convoy today. I should let Private Alpha know…
Hello, Private Alpha
After what they did in the market … they don’t deserve my help.
Hello, brother. How are you today?
Oh, I’m good. Nothing new to report.
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Later in the day, the convoy leaves Boa...
...meanwhile, the bandits wait for them again
This time we’ll stop them!
Stop! Or we’ll shoot! Let’s get ‘em!
You bunch of misfits! No one threatens Charlie!
Oh no! It’s bandits!
Charlie! We need to get out of here NOW!
They’re getting away! FIRE!!!
No, Charlie! We can’t risk the principals. Reverse out to safety!
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Rubbish! I’ll take care of these punks!
Take that, punks!
Grrr, they’re out of range now OK, I think we’re almost clear of them...
The convoy arrives back in Boa...
Everyone is safe and unharmed. That is what is most important.
Are you all OK? Did you sustain much damage?
A few bullet holes. We’ll need a new windshield...
...BUT WE LET THEM GET AWAY!!!
Later, Private Alpha drops by the kiosk...
Good afternoon, brother!
Private Alpha … are you … are you OK? Yes, I am. Why do you ask?
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I heard a rumour in the village. They are saying that your convoy was attacked.
...but after your friend’s conduct in the village, when he attacked that poor fisherman...
Yes, it was! But we’re all OK.
Oh, thank the Lord. I wanted to tell you before that I’d heard the bandits planning it...
I was so outraged. I felt like you all can’t be trusted. But I know you are an honorable man.
You have my word that what happened in the market will not happen again.
Brother, you can trust me. But I understand.
Later in the day...
How did we not know the bandits were going to attack? Alpha, you had intel before on their intentions... WHY NOT THIS TIME?
Sir, we lost the trust of the locals. They didn’t pass on the information because of that.
PSSHT.
We must always treat civilians with respect. If they trust us, they will help us.
We got lucky out there today that no one was hurt. Treat everyone with respect and they will respect us back. Because next time, we might not be so lucky.
Private Alpha returns in Captain Cameroun and the Viral Video
Publication SKECR1303-EN (03A). By J. J. Messner. Copyright © 2013 — The Fund for Peace. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Fund for Peace.
EPISODE
It is the rainy season and a BIR convoy is driving to Boa on muddy roads...
What are soldiers doing here? Who are these people?
Hey, brother, what are you doing?
The car is filthy. I can’t see out the window. We should stop at the next town and wash it off.
We’re getting the mud off our cars. What’s it to you?
That’s my tap! And my hose! It’s my water!
HEY!
You should give me money for it.
That’s not yours! It’s MINE! If anyone should be getting paid, it’s ME!
Brothers, brothers! There is no need to fight. I think you should both go and cool down a bit.
Wait!
I… I… Where are you from? You don’t sound like you are from around here.
Identity papers, please!
I knew it! You’re Nigerian.
Charlie, we are not the police!
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What of it?
Are you questioning me? Don’t talk back to me, scum!
Yeah, that’s right! Roll around in the mud like a pig!
You should post that video on YouTube! It is about time people know about this!
Brother, let me help you up.
Thank you. You’re a good man.
Let that be a lesson to you! No one disrespects Charlie!
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At an internet café in Indenau...
You soldiers think you have all the power and can bully us around. Let’s see if you’re so brave now...
IDENAU CYBER CAFE
PHONE FAX INTERNATIONAL INTERNET
CYB E PHO R C AF E N FAX E INT E RNAT INT IONAL E RN ET
This is awful! UPLOADING YOUR VIDEO
Y MILITAR TY I BRUTAL SEEN IN VIDEO How shameful!
Back in Boa...
A video? A video of what?
Hello? Yes, General, it’s Bravo.
I’ll be right there.
Major Bravo arrives at Man O’War Bay...
General! Major Bravo. As you know, a video has circulated around the internet.
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It shows one of your men humiliating a civilian. It is disgusting behavior. I have had the Minister on the phone asking me about it.
I agree, sir. It is unacceptable.
I wouldn’t be surprised if I got a call from President Biya! This is being seen around the world!
This is conduct unbecoming the BIR. Take care of this, Bravo. This is on YOUR watch.
That is all well and good, Bravo. But a lot of damage has already been done. A lot of damage to the reputation of the BIR.
Sir, I will go back to Boa now and take care of this.
Later, in Boa...
PSSHT.
… a reputation we worked hard to earn and maintain.
…”conduct unbecoming the BIR,” the General said. I agree with him!
Don’t you dare speak back to me! I have had it with you!
Do you know what people are calling you on Twitter?
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Strongman? Big Man?
Wowoman. Or should I say, #WowoMan
Hey, WowoMan! You’re famous! Can we have your autograph?
Later, the combatants are walking through Boa...
Yeah, can we take your picture? HAHAHAHA
We’re not afraid of you, bully! Don’t talk to me like that! Show me some respect!
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No, brother. You have done enough damage already.
You’re going to be EVEN MORE famous now, Wowoman!
Back at the internet café in Indenau... IDENAU CYBER CAFE
UPLOADING YOUR VIDEO
PHONE FAX INTERNATIONAL INTERNET CYB E PHO R C AF E N FAX E INT E RNAT INT IONAL E RN ET
Again? More brutality in new video. #bir #wowoman
DEO NEW VI MAN WOWO S STRIKE AGAIN! Wow, this man is horrible! So disrespectful! Back in Boa...
ANOTHER VIDEO???
Hello? Yes, General, it’s Bravo.
Are you sure, Sir?
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Sir, I did talk to him. I talked to them all! I agree, there is no excuse!
Later, in Boa...
AGAIN??? Were you not listening to me?
Men, I am very angry with you.
But he was disrespecting me!
I don’t care. I told you to behave yourself! To respect the locals. Every time you disrespect civilians, they trust us less and our job becomes harder.
AND, you bring shame upon the good name of the battalion I am sending you back to Man O’War Bay. The General has a new job for you. Private Charlie arrives at Man O’War Bay...
Major Bravo said you had another job for me. Am I being promoted?
Oh yes, it is a big job alright.
PRIVATE CHARLIE! Are you always so unkempt? You look disgraceful.
And where is your salute?
I want every one of these potatoes peeled. And when you’re finished, there are latrines that need cleaning...
Publication SKECR1304-EN (03A). By J. J. Messner. Copyright © 2013 — The Fund for Peace. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Fund for Peace.
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