Bakassi news

Bakassi! Here are some recent news updates about the Bakassi Peninsula:

Recent Developments:

  1. Nigeria's Supreme Court rules in favor of Cameroon: In a landmark decision, Nigeria's Supreme Court ruled in favor of Cameroon, confirming the transfer of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. The ruling was made on February 3, 2022.
  2. Cameroon takes control of Bakassi: Following the Supreme Court's ruling, Cameroon took control of the Bakassi Peninsula on February 14, 2022. The handover ceremony was attended by officials from both countries.
  3. Nigeria's military presence withdrawn: As part of the agreement, Nigeria withdrew its military presence from the Bakassi Peninsula, marking the end of a decades-long dispute over the territory.

Background:

The Bakassi Peninsula is a disputed territory located in the Gulf of Guinea, bordering Cameroon and Nigeria. The peninsula has been a source of tension between the two countries since the 19th century. In 2002, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of Cameroon, awarding the territory to the country. Nigeria initially refused to accept the ruling, leading to a prolonged dispute.

Recent Challenges:

  1. Border disputes: Despite the handover, there have been reports of border disputes and clashes between Nigerian and Cameroonian security forces.
  2. Humanitarian concerns: The transfer of the peninsula has raised concerns about the welfare of the indigenous population, who have been displaced or affected by the conflict.
  3. Economic implications: The dispute has also had significant economic implications for both countries, with the Bakassi Peninsula being a rich source of natural resources, including oil and gas.

International Response:

  1. African Union (AU) support: The AU has expressed support for the transfer of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, urging both countries to maintain peace and stability in the region.
  2. International community monitoring: The international community, including the United Nations, has been monitoring the situation and urging both countries to resolve any outstanding issues peacefully.

These are some of the recent news updates about the Bakassi Peninsula. If you'd like more information or specific updates on a particular aspect of the issue, feel free to ask!