The Cameroon-Nigeria Dispute

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Page 1 2 of 3 DOCUMENTS BBC Summary of World Broadcasts December 31, 1981, Thursday The Cameroon-Nigeria Dispute SOURCE: Excerpt from commentary Lagos in English for abroad 0830 gmt 25 Dec 81 SECTION: Part 4 The Middle East and Africa; B. AFRICA; ME/6916/B/1; LENGTH: 383 words [Background to the dispute which began in May 1981 when five Nigerian soldiers were killed.] Given this background, it is greatly distressing to hear that there is now a renewed wave of molestation of Nigerian fishermen by Cameroon gendarmes. This was the crux of the information given to Brigadier Zamani Leford, the Commander of the 82nd Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu, when he visited Dr Clement Ishong, the Governor of the Cross River State, in his office. According to Governor Ishong, the Nigerian fishermen were being asked to pay arrears from last year to the Cameroonian Government. The Governor recalled that a series of meetings had earlier been held in Calabar to resolve the issue. He also spoke of the severe economic consequences of the Cameroonian action. As an accomplished and renowned economist, who had been Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria for several years, it is obvious that Governor Ishong was shocked himself when he talked with emotion about the economic implications of the Cameroonian attitude. Perhaps the most annoying aspect of the issue is the fact that the Cameroonians are believed to have stepped up the harassment of Nigerians at the border with the with- drawal of the Nigerian troops from the area. The troops had been sent to the border at the heat of the controversy and emotion over the killing. They were later withdrawn by instalment, ostensibly to ease tension in the area. It is unfortunate to note that the Cameroonians are trying to take undue advantage of the goodwill of the Nigerian Govern- ment to foment trouble at the borders. They must realize that Nigerian restraint in the face of provocation is consequent upon the desire to adopt a mature and pragmatic approach in issues affecting relations with its neighbours. It does not arise from a lack of will or the capacity to strike back at her adversary; cautiousness should never be translated as weakness, particularly in international relations. The Cameroonian leader, President Ahmadou Ahidjo, is expected in Lagos early next year for talks with President Shehu Shagari. He should ensure that the issues raised by Governor Ishong and his country are resolved on the Cameroonian side before coming to Lagos. Unless this is done, his visit would be meaningless. LANGUAGE: ENGLISH Copyright 1981 The British Broadcasting Corporation.

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