Gestion tripartite du pipeline transfrontalier Tchad Cameroun 1992-2023.

Abstract

This work addresses the question of cooperative management of the Chad-Cameroon cross-border pipeline from 1992-2023. Its main objective is to highlight and analyze the various aspects of the cooperative management of this transport infrastructure with an emphasis on sustainability, the reconciliation of interests and economic success on a bilateral and transnational scale. Practically, it was in 1992 that Chad and Cameroon signed a bilateral agreement, with a view to the construction of a 1,070 kilometers oil pipeline linking the Chadian oil fields (Komé, Bolobo and Miandoum) to the Kribi oil terminal. In Cameroon. The problem of this work is the analysis of the instruments and strategies put in place jointly by Chad, Cameroon and incidentally the oil companies to jointly manage the construction and use of the Chad-Cameroon cross-border pipeline from 1992 to 2023. Through cooperative management regulated by a legal framework (framework agreement, bilateral treaty of 1996, conventions establishing COTCO and TOTCO, Amendments to the conventions) and an institutional framework (COTCO, TOTCO, etc.) which can be modified regularly through negotiations diplomatically, the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline has brought significant benefits to host countries. The results obtained allowed us to understand that this transport system allowed Chad to export its oil and generate considerable income. It has been reported that Cameroon has also benefited from transport taxes and transit fees linked to this infrastructure. Oil revenues have financed development projects for the benefit of the Chadian and Cameroonian populations, particularly in the areas of energy, education, health, transport, etc. The pipeline has strengthened economic, political and diplomatic cooperation between Chad and Cameroon. However, its construction and operation have had environmental impacts: deforestation and water pollution in particular. In addition, this project led to population displacements and generated community conflicts. To achieve an analysis on this theme, we mainly used written sources and official documents. We also used the inducto-hypothetico-deductive approach, the qualitative method and the realist, liberal and natural resource curse theories. Should it be mentioned, the Chad-Cameroon Pipeline Project is facing new challenges. Despite its profitability, it seems to be the source of several diplomatic tensions between the two countries concerned. As a result, we first noted that the cross-border pipeline represents numerous geopolitical and socio-economic issues, then that the one in Chad and Cameroon was built following tough tripartite negotiations which made it possible to develop legal and institutions to manage it jointly, finally that this joint management has generated development of the actors despite numerous challenges to overcome to make it an instrument of sustainable development. To achieve this objective, Chad and Cameroon must consider improving the social and economic conditions of the populations, transparent management of revenues generated by the pipeline, a review of the institutional framework to avoid the whims of private partners, the promotion of sub regional, regional and international cooperation.