OPENING
STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MIXED COMMISSION AND SPECIAL
REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE
UNITED NATIONS, MR. AHMEDOU OULD-ABDALLAH
*
Abuja, 21-22 October 2004
Senior Minister Amadou Ali, Head of the Cameroonian
Delegation,
Prince Bola Ajibola, Head of the Nigerian Delegation,
Members of the Diplomatic Community,
Members of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to thank my two associates and friends, Senior
Minister Amadou Ali and Prince Bola Ajibola, for their cooperative
statements. Their contributions to the smooth functioning of the Mixed
Commission have been immense and I count on their continued support and
dedication to the final and total success of the mission we all are
entrusted with. I would also like to thank the members of the Mixed
Commission and all other Africans and non Africans who, in one way or
another, have brought their assistance so that this Commission continues
progressively to fulfill its tasks.
However, let us make no mistake about it. This meeting is
very special. It could accelerate or slow down our work.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On our agenda for this session we have the following items.
I am pleased to report that tranquility prevails in the Lake
Chad and Land Boundary areas where the withdrawals and transfers of
authority have taken place. Populations affected by the decision have
adjusted and integrated remarkably well to their new environment. Reports of
the Mixed Commission Observers indicate that there have been no major
problems and that constitutes a matter of great satisfaction to all of us.
In this connection I would like to thank the local authorities for providing
appropriate responses to the problems that have come up from time to time
and urge them to remain vigilant to any difficulties that may arise in the
future.
Concerning the Maritime Boundary, each party has submitted to
me its proposal on this important issue as agreed on during our Eleventh
session. I have forwarded each country’s submission to the other and I am
awaiting their respective reaction. As we have to move ahead on this matter,
I have asked the United Nations cartographer, legal advisors and consultant
for their views.
We have to embark on fund raising missions to help carry out
already identified confidence-building projects, and to prepare the
convening of the Conference of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. We will also
discuss other confidence-building measures, in particular assistance to
projects on the common border.
Concerning the demarcation, significant progress has been
made since we met last. Our Cartographer went to New York and discussed
matters pertaining to accelerating the demarcation process with the UN
Cartographic and Procurement Departments. Several activities including
acquisition of satellite imagery, hardware and software, setting up of
cartographic specifications and standards, appointment of two Imagery
Specialists Contractors, all are underway. We were finally able to hire a
surveyor, who will soon start to work. At this point, all the requirements
for the field visit by the Joint Technical Team have been worked out and
this team should embark on its field visit forthwith.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As you undoubtedly observed, the extensive and intense press
coverage our work has attracted in the last few weeks confirms once again
the keen African and international interest in the success of our task. It
is for a very good reason that all the major news networks, such as BBC, RFI
and the VOA, carried reports on the delay of the transfer of authority from
the Bakassi Peninsula. It cannot be otherwise because there is a genuine
worldwide interest in ensuring that international law is duly respected. As
the peaceful completion of our mission will have a far-reaching impact,
especially on this continent, our responsibilities, that of Cameroon and
Nigeria, their respective Presidents and authorities, are immense. I am
hopeful that we will rise up to the challenge. We face a real test on
whether African states are ready to abide by the rule of law. While the
events of the last few weeks have been the most challenging since the
establishment of the Mixed Commission, I remain convinced that we will
complete our assignment in due time, and sooner rather than later, thanks to
the good will shown by the two Presidents and to their commitments to a
lasting settlement.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The newly reelected President Biya strives for peace and
development for his fresh mandate. It is a complex responsibility, which, I
am sure, he plans to address boldly and courageously. The African Union
current Chair, who is also the Chair of the Commonwealth Heads of States and
Governments, and candidate for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council,
President Obasanjo, longs for peace and a great legacy for his great
country.
True to ourselves, we have to find the way out, at this
crucial session. I am sure that we all are determined to lead and not be led
by segments of public opinions often volatile and moody. Indeed the choice
may look difficult, though not unique in history. It is either to be
ordinary, and risk being forgotten by History, or, on the contrary, to show
courage and shape the future to make History.
While we brace ourselves to our tasks with patience and
determination, we know well that our only escape route is success in this
mission.
Thank you for your attention.
