Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yaounde (Agenzia Fides)- After the assault in which thirty men were killed in the peninsula of Bakassi (see Fides 14/11/2007) the mixed Cameroonian Nigerian Commission is meeting for its 20th session to settle last details with regard to borders in the disputed region.
The meeting planned for some time, now assumes major importance. Thanks to a spirit of collaboration the countries have already established 700 km of Bakassi peninsula borders and hope to complete 1,000km before the end of the year. The Nigerian and Cameroonian authorities appear determined not to let the tragic episode affect their collaboration. The Nigerian government has condemned the violence and accused Niger Delta rebels of being responsible.
The Cameroonian press said the attack on the Cameroon army base was caused by a dispute over the sale of arms and ammunition by some Cameroonian soldiers to a group of Nigerian rebels. The Delta rebels supported an appeal made by a few traditional chiefs of Bakassi peninsula to the Supreme Court of Nigeria to bock an agreement between the two countries which established that the area would be handed over to Cameroon. The rebels had even declared the independence of the peninsula the Democratic Republic of Bakassi.
Both the Niger Delta and Bakassi there are consistent oil interests. Secessionism, petroleum, corruption: an explosive mixture which threatens to involve both countries. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/11/2007 righe 18 parole 239)
