Highlights
– Two attacks in disputed Bakassi peninsula kill at least one soldier
– Previously unknown group claims responsibility for attack; may be linked to MEND
– As mid-August transfer of sovereignty approaches, further violence likely
On July 25, 2008, gunmen attacked Cameroonian soldiers in the disputed oil-rich Bakassi peninsula. During the attack, Cameroon security forces killed 10 gunmen. At least one soldier was killed in the raid. According to the Cameroon defense minister, the gunmen launched the attack from three speedboats, in what has been reported as the second attack on the Bakassi peninsula within one week.
A previously unknown group, calling itself the Niger Delta Defense and Security Council (NDDSC), claimed responsibility for the attack. According to the claim of responsibility, the NDDSC only lost four men during the raid. In the claim of responsibility, the NDDSC stated its opposition to the transfer of sovereignty of the Bakassi peninsula from Nigeria to Cameroon.
Dispute over the Bakassi peninsula
Sovereignty over the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula has been disputed by both Nigeria and Cameroon. The territory remained under control of the republic of Nigeria following Nigerian independence, despite a Southern Cameroonian vote to leave Nigeria in 1961 to join Cameroon. Following sporadic clashes throughout the 1990s, Cameroon brought the issue to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1994.
In 2002, the ICJ ruled that sovereignty over Bakassi belonged to Cameroon. However, the ruling did not require the inhabitants to move or change nationality; thereby creating a substantial Nigerian population, of which Cameroon became responsible for protecting their civil rights, infrastructure, and welfare.
On June 13, 2006, then-Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Cameroon President Paul Biya reached an agreement under which Nigerian troops would leave Bakassi in 60 days and give Cameroon complete control within two years. On August 14, 2006 all of Nigeria’s troops withdrew, with the region scheduled to remain under Nigerian civil authority until August 2008. Complicating the situation, the Nigerian Senate ruled on November 22, 2007 that the transfer of sovereignty was illegal. However, the federal government has not taken any action regarding the Senate ruling.
November Attack
In addition to the two attacks last week, there was a series of attacks in Bakassi in November 2007. Most notably, on November 12, 2007 gunmen launched an attack using multiple speedboats . The attack killed 21 Cameroonian soldiers and inured 10. Additionally, 10 militants were killed and one of their boats was destroyed. However, the rebels were able to seize several weapons prior to escaping.
The attack raised tensions between Nigeria and Cameroon, which blamed the Nigerian government for failing to intercept the rebels. In response, Nigeria increased its border security to prevent further attacks from escalating tensions.
Connections to MEND
The November 2007 attack was blamed on the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the most prominent rebel group operating in the oil-rich Niger Delta. An additional attack on November 12, 2007 in the state of Akwa Ibom, located several states away from the Niger Delta was also blamed on MEND, suggesting the group may have been attempting to expand its area of operations.
The method of attack in the recent July 25, 2008 attack, using swarming maneuvers in speedboats to overwhelm security forces, is a tactic previously employed by MEND on multiple occasions. As such, it is likely the NDDSC has links to MEND. With MEND recently stating it intends to increase attacks, it’s possible it could coordinate attacks with the NDDSC to create greater instability in the Gulf of Guinea.
Outlook
The attacks last week are likely related to the upcoming planned handover of sovereignty in mid-August. As such, as the mid-August deadline approaches, there will likely be an increase in attacks in the region.
An increase in attacks will likely lead to a further deterioration in relations between the Nigerian and Cameroonian governments. With many of the Nigerian residents in Bakassi opposed to the transfer of sovereignty, it is likely violence will persist in the near to mid-term.
