Secretary-General, Marking 10 Years since Bakassi Peninsula Decision, Commends

Cameroon, Nigeria on Commitment to International Court of Justice Ruling

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the ruling of the International Court of Justice on the border between Cameroon and Nigeria, the Secretary-General commends the commitment of the Governments of both countries to honour the obligations of the ruling.  He also congratulates the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission for the commendable efforts it has made in implementing the International Court of Justice ruling.  The success of the Commission is an embodiment of an innovative approach to conflict resolution.  By peacefully resolving their border dispute, Cameroon and Nigeria have provided a positive example for countries around the world facing similar challenges.

The Secretary-General stresses the importance of addressing the socio-economic, humanitarian and security needs of the populations affected by the demarcation process, including in the Bakassi area.  He also highlights the importance of implementing confidence-building measures and fostering cross-border cooperation.

Finally, he encourages both countries to reach an early agreement on the remaining 200 kilometres of land boundary in order to conclude the demarcation process.  The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to continue its support to Cameroon and Nigeria in implementing the International Court of Justice ruling through the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission and the Follow-up Committee on the Greentree Agreement related to the Bakassi peninsula, both chaired by the United Nations.

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For information media • not an official record