“The Boko Haram conflict in Cameroon-why is peace so elusive”, seasoned researchers respond to this question with insights to the emergence of the conflict, the actors, interests, challenges as well as the prospects of this Jihadist terrorist group. After 9 years of Boko Haram presence in Cameroon (since 2009), insecurity persists due to inadequate policy and strategy responses. With the consequent eruption of new security threats: organized criminal groups, extreme violence, and radicalism, any responses that fall short of a holistic approach to incorporate inclusive socio-economic development in the Far North region of Cameroon and the Lake Chad area, is a risk for further unpleasant security surprises.