Cameroun- Nigéria : Des rapports conflictuels à la coopération militaire 1961-2021

Abstract

The subject entitled "Cameroon-Nigeria: from conflictual relations to military cooperation 1961-2021" deals with the evolution of relations between Cameroon and Nigeria, in particular from antagonistic relations to the establishment of genuine military cooperation. Generally speaking, this study aims to show the difficult relations that have existed between the two border states, in particular the genesis, the evolution over time and the final outcome of the conflict; the events that led to the urgent need for military cooperation and encouraged the pooling of forces; the development, strengthening, impact and prospects of military cooperation. The results show that the difficult relations that have existed between Cameroon and Nigeria began in 1961 at the end of the plebiscite. When Nigeria challenged the borders in 1975, the two neighbouring states came into conflict over the Bakassi peninsula. The International Court of Justice recognised Cameroon's sovereignty over the peninsula. In June 2006, the two states signed the Greentree agreements, which put an end to the conflict. In the aftermath of this border conflict, relations between the two states became very timid and cold. It was only in 2015, with the increase in attacks by the terrorist group Boko-Haram along their northern border, that Cameroon and Nigeria saw the urgent need to set in motion close military cooperation to combat the security threat. This desire to harmonise forces was spurred on by Muhammadu Buhari's arrival in power and his meetings with President Paul Biya. Cooperation has thus mobilised a number of players. The memorandum of understanding of the cross-border security committee and the CONOPS on the mixed multinational force are legal instruments that support the commitment of Cameroon and Nigeria in the fight against insecurity. This cooperation has been put into action both bilaterally and multilaterally, and has been intensified through meetings, joint operations and the training of the military elite in academies. It has produced convincing results, namely: the gradual return of stability and populations; the revival of economic activities; the strengthening of collaboration between governments and the military. To strengthen this cooperation, efforts must be focused on the strategic and operational levels. However, given their long borders and similar security threats, Cameroon and Nigeria are obliged to cooperate to guarantee their long-term security.