The border disputes between Nigeria and Cameroon are among the most significant territorial conflicts in modern West African history. At the center of these disputes lies the Bakassi Peninsula, a resource-rich and strategically important area along the Gulf of Guinea. The disagreements over boundaries, sovereignty, and the rights of local communities have shaped diplomatic relations between both countries for decades. While the most intense phases of the conflict have passed, its history continues to hold lessons on diplomacy, international law, and the complexities of post-colonial African borders.
Core Background of the Dispute
The roots of the Nigerian border disputes with Cameroon go back to the colonial era, when European powers drew boundaries without regard for the cultural and political realities of local populations. In 1913, Britain and Germany signed treaties that defined parts of the boundary between British-controlled Nigeria and German Kamerun. These treaties placed the Bakassi Peninsula under German authority, but control shifted after World War I, when the League of Nations split Cameroon between France and Britain.
After independence, Nigeria inherited the British-administered Western Cameroon and its boundaries, while the rest of Cameroon became the Republic of Cameroon. This set the stage for disagreements over the interpretation of colonial agreements, especially regarding Bakassi’s sovereignty.
The Bakassi Peninsula: Strategic and Economic Importance
The Bakassi Peninsula is located at the crossroads of Nigeria’s Cross River State and Cameroon’s South West Region. Its strategic value comes from its position along the Gulf of Guinea, a waterway rich in fish and oil reserves. Fishing communities in Bakassi supply seafood to both Nigeria and Cameroon, and the area’s offshore oil blocks have attracted international energy companies.
For Nigeria, Bakassi was not only an economic asset but also part of its territorial pride. For Cameroon, it was a historically recognized area based on colonial treaties and administrative boundaries.
Escalation of Tensions
Tensions between Nigeria and Cameroon began to rise in the 1980s as both nations asserted sovereignty over Bakassi. Armed clashes occurred sporadically, with notable incidents in 1981 and the early 1990s. The most serious confrontations took place in 1994, when Nigeria deployed military forces to the peninsula, and Cameroon responded by filing a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
Key Events and People in the Dispute
1994 ICJ Case Initiated: Cameroon, led by President Paul Biya, brought the border dispute to the ICJ, seeking a legal resolution.
Nigerian Leadership: Under General Sani Abacha’s military government, Nigeria maintained its claim over Bakassi, citing the cultural ties of the inhabitants to Nigeria.
2002 ICJ Judgment: The ICJ ruled in favor of Cameroon, awarding it sovereignty over the Bakassi Peninsula. The court based its decision on colonial-era treaties, particularly the 1913 Anglo-German Agreement, and maps that placed Bakassi in Cameroon.
UN Secretary-General’s Role: Kofi Annan, then UN Secretary-General, played a critical role in mediating between Nigeria and Cameroon to prevent further conflict after the ICJ ruling.
2006 Green Tree Agreement: Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Paul Biya signed the Green Tree Agreement, outlining the timetable for Nigeria’s withdrawal and the protection of Bakassi residents’ rights.
The Green Tree Agreement and Peaceful Transition
The Green Tree Agreement, signed in New York in June 2006, marked a turning point in Nigeria-Cameroon relations. It provided for:
The withdrawal of Nigerian military forces from Bakassi within 60 days.
The transfer of civil authority to Cameroon in a phased manner.
The protection of the rights and livelihoods of Bakassi residents, many of whom were ethnically Nigerian.
International monitoring by the United Nations to ensure compliance.
By August 14, 2008, Nigeria had fully withdrawn from Bakassi, completing the handover to Cameroon.
Changes Over Time
While the transfer of Bakassi was largely peaceful, the aftermath revealed challenges. Many residents of Bakassi were reluctant to accept Cameroonian citizenship, leading to waves of displacement to Nigeria’s Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. Resettlement programs were often inadequate, and grievances over loss of land and livelihoods persisted.
Diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Cameroon improved after the resolution, with both countries engaging in joint security operations, especially against cross-border crimes and insurgencies like Boko Haram. However, tensions occasionally resurface over fishing rights, military patrols, and community protests.
Why the Dispute Matters Today
The Nigerian border disputes with Cameroon remain relevant for several reasons:
International Law Precedent: The Bakassi case is often cited in discussions of peaceful dispute resolution in Africa. It shows the role international legal institutions can play in avoiding war.
Human Rights Concerns: The plight of Bakassi residents raises questions about citizenship, resettlement, and the obligations of states toward displaced communities.
Economic Impact: Control over resource-rich areas like Bakassi influences national revenues from oil and fisheries.
Regional Stability: Peaceful resolution of the dispute has contributed to stability in the Gulf of Guinea, a region vital for maritime trade.
Current Cooperation and Border Management
Today, Nigeria and Cameroon cooperate on border security, maritime patrols, and cross-border trade regulation. The Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, established in 2002 under UN supervision, continues to work on demarcating the remaining parts of the boundary and addressing cross-border issues.
Joint military operations target smuggling, piracy, and insurgency, recognizing that shared security challenges outweigh territorial disputes.
Author’s Note
The Nigerian border disputes with Cameroon, particularly over the Bakassi Peninsula, highlight the complex legacy of colonial boundaries in Africa. While the dispute could have escalated into prolonged war, the choice of legal and diplomatic channels allowed for a relatively peaceful resolution. The transition from hostility to cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon stands as an important example of conflict resolution on the continent.
