Historical Perspectives in the Nigeria Cameroon Border Conflicts (1913 – 2002): Implications on Peace in Africa

Abstract

Of all Nigeria’s borderlands, the one with Cameroon has remained the most conflictual. Beginning with border transgressions in 1913, the conflict increased both in scope and intensity over the century attracting international attention at the turn of the 21^st century. This paper interrogates the causes of this age long conflict. The methodology adopted is the multidisciplinary approach. The findings of the paper are that the twin concepts of hegemony and national interest have continually played out and accentuated the conflict. It also points out that hegemonic tendencies and interest of imperial powers have fuelled the conflicts. It suggests a more realistic people centered border policy and a revisit to the principle of sacred colonial borders (Utti Posiditis Juris) as a major panacea to this quagmire.