The governments of Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR) have signed a cross-border agreement aimed at enhancing their efforts to combat insecurity and border crime. This agreement was the outcome of a two-day mission to Bangui, CAR, led by Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji.
Both countries have faced significant security challenges, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in CAR. The fighting has caused insurgents, specifically the Seleca rebels, to spread into Cameroon’s East Region, leading to increased incidents of kidnapping and banditry. This instability has also triggered a refugee crisis, with many CAR residents fleeing to Cameroon for safety.
During the signing of the agreement, the two parties discussed financing the commission and addressing issues such as border cooperation, development projects in border communities, and establishing a special session of the mixed commission to succeed the ad hoc commission.
“Additionally, the need for a favourable environment for the voluntary repatriation of refugees was highlighted, along with the importance of sensitizing state agents working at borders, addressing legal issues between the two countries, combating criminality, and reducing multiple road controls,” MINAT said in a statement.
Minister Atanga Nji also pointed out during the meeting that some legal issues, such as the disappearance of border markers, need urgent attention. “He emphasized the importance of reinforcing cooperation through the creation of a mixed border commission and assured that Cameroon would observe all the recommendations,” the ministry said.
Following the discussions, CAR President Faustin Touadera expressed his satisfaction with the deliberations and pledged his country’s support for the commission.
Minister Atanga Nji was accompanied to Bangui by Minister Delegate at the Ministry of External Relations, Felix Mbayu, and Cameroon Ambassador to CAR, Nicolas Nzidoum, among others.
