In his capacity as Chairman of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC), the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, chaired today in Yaoundé the  meeting of the Heads of Delegation of Cameroon and Nigeria to the CNMC.

Cameroon, which hosted the meeting was represented by Vice-Prime Minister Amadou Ali while the Nigerian Delegation was represented by the Minister of Justice M.Abubakar Malami SAN.

Spurred on by Mr. Ibn Chambas, both Parties have reviewed the essential issues and have agreed on the need to resolve the outstanding issues through the implementation of a pragmatic roadmap prioritizing the rapid resolution of disagreement areas; the finalization of the land boundary demarcation and the launching of socio-economic projects intended for building confidence among the populations affected by the demarcation; as well as the need to replenish the trust fund to complete the remaining tasks.

«I welcome the positive spirit of the two Heads of Delegations and commend them for their commitment to finalize the demarcation and enhance urgent support to the affected communities », said the Chairman of the CNMC, Mr Ibn Chambas.

On his part, the Head of the Cameroonian Delegation, the Vice-Prime Minister, Mr Amadou Ali, expressed the determination of his government to work with all sides to resolve the outstanding issues and fully implement the ICJ ruling.

In a similar spirit of cooperation, the Minister of Justice Aboubakar Malami SAN, reiterated the commitment of his country to complete the demarcation work on the remaining 100 km and take necessary steps to support address all outstanding challenges.

The meeting of the Heads of Delegation adopted a Final Communique Communique Final and agreed to convene the Parties for the next meeting in November 2016.

The CNMC - In 1994 the Heads of State of Cameroon and Nigeria sought guidance from the United Nations to resolve their border conflict. Consequently, on 10 October 2002 the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued its Judgment on the claims brought before it, ruling on the demarcation of the entire boundary (land and maritime) between Cameroon and Nigeria – stretching from Lake Chad to the Gulf of Guinea. Both states agreed to respect and implement the ruling and at their request, the United Nations established in November 2002, the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC), which it chairs. The CNMC’s mandate is to; demarcate the land boundary and delimitate the maritime boundary; support the withdrawal of troops and transfer of authority in the Lake Chad area, along the land boundary and Bakassi Peninisula; address the needs of populations affected by demarcation activities; Develop recommendations on confidence-building measures and joint economic ventures aiming at promoting peaceful cross-border cooperation; and support the Lake Chad Bassin Commission.