CNMC determined to finalize the demarcation process

CNMC - 34th Session
5 Sep 2022

CNMC determined to finalize the demarcation process

CNMC determined to finalize the demarcation process

Since its establishment in 2002, the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) has consistently demonstrated over 20 years of stringent commitment to peacebuilding. From 25 to 26 August, the 34th session acknowledged in Abuja, Nigeria, the notable progress CNMC has made, while highlighting the remaining areas of dispute and proposing means to address such disputes.

The meeting was chaired by the Chairperson Mahamat Saleh Annadif while the Minister Michel Zoah, and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, led the delegations of Cameroon and Nigeria, respectively. During the two-day session, Malami revealed that the two countries had reduced the major disagreement areas from thirteen to three.

The conclusion of this major pillar construction exercise (lots six A, B and C on the Atlantic Mountain) is a significant achievement particularly, due to the difficulty in accessing the area. Yet, it is important to note that there are still limited areas of border dispute on fringe territory between Nigeria and Cameroon.

A promptly released communique stated, the involved parties did not have the same understand of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) on the areas of Rhoumski, Pillar 8 and Koja. In response to this, the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) ANNADIF stated, “We must redouble our efforts to follow through on our commitments and finalize the process”.

 It was also during the 34th session that CNMC recommended that the two parties finalized the agreement on the joint exploitation of the hydrocarbon along the maritime border. The efforts of the chairman, Mahamat Saleh ANNADIF were spotlighted by Nigeria’s Attorney-General in light of the increased frequency of CNMC meetings. It was due to this diligence that such intricate issues were able to progress at such an impressive rate. In addition to this, Nigeria reaffirmed their financial commitment to CNMC in order to meet their obligations under the mandate while the donations on behalf of Cameroon were also acknowledged. The Commission expressed its gratitude to the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and both governments Cameroon and Nigeria for their contributions towards the demarcation process. SRSG ANNADIF followed this by acknowledging the crucial role of the international community and called on the latter to continue to support such projects.

The 35th session on CNMC will be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon with the exact date still to be confirmed.