The Quest of Hydrocarbon Resources as a Catalyst of International Conflicts: An Epic Lesson from the Bakassi Question
Publisher: Intergovernmental Research and Policy Journal
Author(s): Bande Gulbert Mbah Tarh
Date: 2023
Topics: Conflict Causes, Extractive Resources, Governance
Countries: Cameroon, Nigeria
Although recent research has increasingly questioned the link between natural resources and international conflict, the quest for hydrocarbons is peculiarly significant in igniting conflicts. Since a conflict-ridden oil producer is highly dependent on such resources, its revenue is hardly spent on distributional policies and the security apparatus – with less impact on the producing communities and regions. As such, this paper examines the dynamics of natural resource-based international conflicts, by evaluating the role of natural resources in the Cameroon-Nigeria border conflict, with a particular focus on the Bakassi dispute. Since the neglect and subsequent discovery of hydrocarbon deposits in the Bakassi Peninsula subjected it to claims and counter-claims for sovereignty, military occupation, and recourse to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). With the ICJ having ruled in favor of Cameroon, after considering sound historical evidence, which sparked consternation and an implementation dilemma. Thus, a perusal of the archival materials and relevant documents revealed that the dispute was largely driven by the availability of natural resources like hydrocarbons and sea products in the peninsula. On this base, the paper posits that the exploration of hydrocarbon resources in the peninsula that will contribute to the economy of both States influenced the violent dimensions that the dispute took, even after the case was taken to the ICJ. However, the good faith of both protagonists under the auspices of the United Nations led to the Green-Tree Agreement and other instruments in resolving the dispute. Which led to the complete withdrawal of the Nigerian military, police, and administration from the peninsula. As such, putting aside the disruptive activities by some social movements, the entire process is viewed as a model for the peaceful resolution of border conflicts – despite the socio-economic implications of the implementation process. On this account, the findings of the paper illuminate that natural resources is a crucial factor in igniting conflicts. Thus, there is a need to use more integrative approaches in designing appropriate balances between all the stakeholders in conflict situations.