CNMC Demarcation Process Continues Despite Security Concerns

31 May 2023

CNMC Demarcation Process Continues Despite Security Concerns

The CNMC is continuing its activities despite security concerns. Pillar emplacement process along the Cameroon-Nigeria border, and pillar construction in Lot 7 in the Beka region are currently underway following several missions conducted by the Project Steering Committee (PSC) representatives, aiming at sensitizing local authorities, traditional leaders, and high-level military commanders.

Significant progress has been achieved in the demarcation process. To date, 136 primary and secondary pillars have been constructed since the start of the mission just over a month ago. The CNMC has four geographic information system staff in the field working alongside the contractor and leading technical experts from both Cameroon and Nigeria to ensure that the requirements of the Statement of Work are strictly adhered to so that the integrity of the boundary is not compromised. 
This progress is well up to the expected pace but has not been without challenges, particularly the security in areas formerly occupied by Boko Haram.

In addition to the physical demarcation project, CNMC plans to undertake tripartite sensitization missions to assess the needs of the communities living along the border who have been affected by the demarcation process.

The Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC), was created in November 2002, to follow up on the implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling of 10 October 2002 on the border dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria. Chaired by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for West Africa and the Sahel, the CNMC works tirelessly since its establishment for the consolidation of peace and the strengthening of fraternal ties between Cameroon and Nigeria. To date, the CNMC has succeeded in demarcating close to 2060 km of an estimated 2100 km border.