UN Applauds Cameroon-Nigeria Progress on Border Demarcation

Significant strides have been made towards concluding the longstanding border demarcation between Cameroon and Nigeria, Prime Minister Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute of Cameroon expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts. The Chairman of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, Leonardo Santos Simoa, who also serves as the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, visited the Star building to discuss the progress.

The areas under consideration for demarcation include Rhumsiki and Kotcha villages in the Far-North Region and Terminal 8 in the North Region, situated approximately 36 km apart. Prime Minister Ngute emphasised that there is no necessity for an additional interpretation of the International Court of Justice’s October 10, 2002, judgment to finalize the common border’s definitive outline.

Ngute hailed the progress as “good news,” anticipating the complete demarcation of the Cameroonian and Nigerian borders. Chairman Simoa, after a three-day visit to Yaounde following a similar visit to Abuja, emphasised his commitment to supporting the tireless efforts of both delegations to adhere to the International Court of Justice’s ruling.

The press release from Simoa’s office in Dakar highlighted discussions addressing various aspects of the demarcation process, particularly the need to resolve disagreements over the three border zones where differences persist. Simoa welcomed the decision of both countries to resolve these issues within the Mixed Commission, eliminating the need to resort to the International Court of Justice.

Simoa reiterated the UN’s unwavering support for both nations and encouraged the UN country team to expedite the update of the needs assessment for populations affected by demarcation. He urged the mobilization of necessary resources to implement projects addressing the challenges identified and strengthening the confidence and support of border populations.

During his visit to Yaounde, Simoa engaged with key figures, including Minister Delegate Felix Mbayu, Head of Cameroon’s delegation to the CNMC Minister Michel Zoah, and the UN team in Cameroon.

Established in November 2002 at the request of Presidents Paul Biya of Cameroon and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, the commission aims to implement the International Court of Justice’s ruling, addressing the land and maritime boundaries, troop withdrawal, authority transfer in specific areas, and the situation of affected populations.

A major blow to Ambazonian separatists

However, amidst these diplomatic efforts, the two countries are finalising the border at a time when separatists in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions, seeking to establish a breakaway nation called Ambazonia, have been hoping for a UN intervention. The former British Southern Cameroons, now North West and South West regions, lie between Nigeria and Cameroon.

The UN, previously criticised for its role in the Anglophone crisis, is now involved in finalising the borders, potentially complicating the Ambazonian claim. The ongoing developments suggest a delicate balance between diplomatic resolutions and regional conflicts.

Mimi Mefo Info