UN-backed Cameroon-Nigeria commission meets to resolve border issues

The United Nations-backed Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) kicks off a two-day meeting today in Abuja, Nigeria, to continue discussions on the remaining border issues between the African neighbours, the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA) reported.

The commission, established by the UN at the request of Cameroon and Nigeria to help implement a 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision on the delineation of the border, has reached agreement on more than 1,600 kilometres of a total border estimated at 1,950 kilometres.

At its most recent meeting the commission set a goal to clear up the remaining 350 kilometres, “as expeditiously as possible,” UNOWA said.

“At the meeting held in Abuja, deliberation will focus on the practical measures that need to be taken to translate this commitment into reality on the ground,” UNOWA said.

The commission will also deliberate on issues related to assistance to the affected border populations with a view to meeting their socio-economic needs and building mutual confidence.

The commission is composed of delegations from Cameroon, Nigeria and the UN. It is chaired by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa, Saïd Djinnit.